NCAA Reports Domestic Airlines Refunded Over ₦1bn to 5,285 Passengers in Q2 2025

 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced on July 22, 2025, that domestic airlines refunded over ₦1 billion to 5,285 passengers for flight disruptions in the second quarter of 2025 (April–June). 

The refunds, detailed in a compliance report, address delays and cancellations, with Air Peace leading at ₦450 million for 2,100 cases, followed by Arik Air (₦300 million, 1,500 cases), and others. The NCAA attributed the uptick to weather issues and maintenance backlogs, noting a 20% increase in complaints from Q1’s 4,200.

The figure aligns with a 15% rise in domestic traffic to 3.5 million passengers, per NCAA data, amid a 25% fare hike in May 2025. Airlines argue refunds strain finances, with Arik citing a ₦5 billion debt, while consumer groups demand stricter enforcement. 

The NCAA’s monitoring, via its Consumer Protection Unit, shows progress since 2024’s ₦800 million refunds, but skepticism persists over unclaimed amounts, with no public audit, suggesting potential gaps in accountability.