The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has confirmed that passengers on delayed flights are entitled to refreshments, airtime and, in some cases, accommodation. The statement was made by FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Ijagwu explained that passengers experiencing a flight delay must first be provided with food and drink. “If the delay extends for several hours, the airline is required to supply airtime,” he said, adding that the provision is intended to alleviate the distress caused by the inconvenience. He further clarified that the entitlement to airtime is grounded in both regulatory guidelines and consumer‑protection law.
In instances of abrupt flight cancellation, the FCCPC director said airlines must arrange transportation and, where appropriate, accommodation for affected passengers. “When a flight is cancelled without prior notice, the carrier is obliged to provide transport because the airport may be far from the city, and, in certain circumstances, lodging as well,” Ijagwu noted. He emphasized that the specific entitlements depend on the circumstances of each case.
The remarks come amid a wave of flight disruptions across Nigeria. Airlines have been compelled to delay, suspend or cancel services due to a sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has risen from about ₦900 per litre at the end of February to roughly ₦3,300 per litre—a surge of more than 300 percent. Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warned that the fuel cost hike could force a shutdown of operations if not addressed.
Recent images and videos show passengers stranded at airports, particularly at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where several airlines repeatedly rescheduled flights, leaving travelers without transport or overnight accommodation. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has indicated that a modest increase in airfares may be necessary to sustain domestic carriers and prevent service interruptions.
In a letter to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), airline representatives claimed they have been absorbing fuel cost increases out of “patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation,” but warned that the financial burden is now unsustainable. “Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated.
The FCCPC’s clarification underscores the regulatory obligations of airlines to support passengers during flight delays and cancellations, reinforcing consumer rights amid a challenging operating environment for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
