BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s aviation industry is witnessing a key shift in passenger rights protection, with Aero Contractors recording an unprecedented 137 per cent growth in refunds in 2024.
From January to August 2025, refunds to passengers climbed to ₦257,195,724.39, well above the ₦108,308,037.40 recorded in the same period of 2024 and a dramatic leap from ₦32,766,652.30 in 2023.
The steady rise signals stronger compliance with Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Regulations 2023, which were designed to guarantee fair treatment and compensation for air travellers.
The airline also made notable strides in providing care for passengers affected by delays and cancellations. Between January and July 2025, verified hotel accommodation expenses reached ₦6,083,229.
The figures were drawn from reputable establishments including Cocos Hotel and Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja, NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment in Asaba, as well as Mayor & Diplomat Hotel in Lagos.
“These figures cut across most of the airlines. This is one of our proudest achievements, knowing that way more passengers are being protected now than ever before, in the 25-year history of the NCAA,” the Authority declared.
It stressed, however, that protection must be balanced: “We must also protect airline staff and cabin crew against every form of violence and assault. May safety continue to be the foundation of the industry as we grow towards the attainment of world-class service across board.”
