The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has ordered Ibom Air to compensate passengers affected by the cancellation of a scheduled flight on Friday.

The directive came after a passenger lodged a complaint on X, accusing the airline of poor service.

“After moving a 3:30 flight to 5:20, you still call your customers to come down and pick up their luggage,” the passenger said.

“You’ve monopolised the system as the only airline travelling to Akwa Ibom, yet you frustrate the very people you should be serving. Shame on you.”

Addressing the concerns, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu, said the disruption was due to a technical fault with the aircraft earlier in the day, which he described as a case of “force majeure.”

“That delay had a knock-on effect on all other routes serviced by that aircraft, and was the reason for rescheduling the flight from 15:30 to 17:50.

“The airline is ready to fly, but that delay means that Uyo airport, which is a sunset airport, would be closed by the time they arrive. As a result, it is safer to cancel the flight and reschedule for tomorrow.

“I have spoken with the management of the airline. Some passengers have been provided hotel accommodation, and all passengers will receive emails tonight with the offer of 25% compensation,” he said.

Achimugu added “Flight disruptions happen. Where the airline would be sanctioned is if they fail to comply with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations, per care for the passengers. In this case, that care is being provided.

“The original flight time was 15:30, not mid-day.”

The director praised Ibom Air’s track record, pointing out that it remains one of the industry’s most punctual airlines.

He noted that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe, as no aircraft is cleared to operate once any safety risk, no matter how minor is identified.

“We prefer the ensure the safety of lives and delay some flights, than to put lives at risk because people need to fly. Only the living would fly tomorrow,” he noted.