The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Chris Najomo, has defended Nigerian airlines over recurring flight delays and passenger disruptions, saying that safety considerations must always take precedence over public criticism.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos with aviation journalists, Najomo specifically defended Air Peace over recent allegations that the airline abandoned passengers travelling to Nigeria from Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom.

Najomo insisted that investigations by the regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), indicated that the airline acted responsibly after discovering a technical issue on the aircraft.

He emphasised that the airline’s engineers halted operations after they detected a fault during routine checks on the Boeing 777 aircraft bound for Lagos, Nigeria.

He said, “Air Peace did the right thing by not operating that flight. They contacted Boeing and were advised not to fly the aircraft.

“These are machines. Anything can happen. Flight delays happen all over the world. We should support our own.”

According to him, the airline arranged accommodation for affected passengers and made plans to transport them with another aircraft.

He warned against excessive criticism of indigenous carriers, stressing that flight disruptions occur globally and are often beyond the control of operators.

Najomo also cited recent incidents involving Delta Air Lines and British Airways, with the former returning to the United States after departure to Lagos from Atlanta, Georgia, in the U.S.

Besides, he explained that the authority was intensifying consumer enlightenment campaigns through its Consumer Protection Department to help passengers better understand the realities of airline operations and safety decisions.

He said the Federal Government was supporting domestic airlines through policy measures aimed at easing operational pressures caused by rising aviation fuel costs and economic challenges.

Najomo said the government had already approved a 30 per cent discount on debts owed by airlines to aviation agencies.

He, however, said that the approval was yet to be implemented, saying that the approval would follow the due process.

The DGCA also revealed that discussions were ongoing between government officials and fuel marketers to address the high cost of Jet A1, which has significantly impacted airline operations.

According to him, despite mounting operational costs, many Nigerian airlines have resisted increasing airfares following public criticism experienced during the last festive season.

Najomo noted that the global aviation industry was facing similar economic challenges, citing cost-cutting measures by several international carriers.

He, however, expressed optimism that recent reforms, including Nigeria’s implementation of the Cape Town Convention, would encourage aircraft lessors to bring newer aircraft into the country and strengthen the capacity of local operators.

The NCAA boss also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting private airline operators amid prevailing economic difficulties.