The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority says Aero Contractors refunded passengers a total of N257.2 million between January and August 2025, a 137% rise from the N108.3 million paid out in the same period of 2024.

In 2023, the airline’s refunds stood at just N32.7 million.

The NCAA announced the figures in a post on its official X account on Friday, noting that the surge in refunds highlights improved compliance by Aero Contractors with passenger rights regulations.

“AERO CONTRACTORS RECORDS 137% REFUND GROWTH RATE IN 2024.

“Total refund paid January – August 2025 = N257,195,724.39, compared to N108,308,037.40 over the same period 2024 and N32,766,652.30 in 2023,” NCAA stated.

The NCAA also revealed that between January and July 2025, Aero Contractors spent N6.08 million on hotel accommodation for affected passengers. The expenses were verified at facilities including Cocos Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotel (Abuja), NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment (Asaba), and Mayor & Diplomat Hotel (Lagos).

The NCAA stated that the refund and accommodation figures reflect a “remarkable improvement in compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” which requires airlines to compensate and care for passengers affected by delays, cancellations, or other disruptions.

The regulator emphasized that, despite challenges in the operating environment, it will continue to enforce consumer protection measures and uphold the rights of stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Aero Contractors’ N257.2 million in refunds between January and August 2025 reflects a broader shift toward stronger compliance in the aviation sector.

NCAA records show that domestic airlines refunded a total of N1.04 billion to 5,285 passengers between April and June 2025, underscoring the regulator’s tougher enforcement of passenger rights.