AIRLINES BLAME AIRPORT CONGESTION, WEATHER FOR FLIGHT DELAYS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Nigerian airline operators have attributed frequent flight delays and cancellations to airport congestion, inadequate infrastructure, technical challenges and adverse weather conditions.
The airlines stated this during the Aviation Day of the Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, where industry stakeholders discussed the causes of delayed and cancelled flights.
A Chief Commercial Officer of a domestic airline, Adedayo Olawuyi, said heavy morning traffic at airports often leaves aircraft waiting on the ground, while bad weather and technical issues can further disrupt flight schedules.
He cited a flight to Kano that was forced to return to Lagos after a thunderstorm affected the airport’s runway lights.
Olawuyi also reminded passengers that they are entitled to certain provisions when flights are delayed, including refreshments and meals, while compensation may apply under specific circumstances.
Another airline executive, Trevor Henry, said congestion at check-in points, security areas, boarding gates and runways also contributes to delays. He added that presidential movements and other operational disruptions could affect flight schedules.
Meanwhile, the Chief Operating Officer of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, Remi Jibodu, called for better coordination of flight schedules through a slot system to reduce congestion.
Jibodu said morning periods are particularly congested, with several airlines often scheduling flights around the same departure time. He suggested staggering departure times to ease pressure on airport facilities and improve the movement of passengers and aircraft.