Aero Contractors has spent over N6m on hotel accommodation for stranded passengers between January and July 2025, in addition to refunding more than N257.1m within the first eight months of the year.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the refunds were linked to flight delays, cancellations, and baggage issues, reflecting a 137 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2024.
The NCAA disclosed in a statement: “Total refund paid January – August 2025 = 257,195,724.39 naira, compared to 108,308,037.40 naira over the same period in 2024 and 32,766,652.30 naira in 2023. For hotel accommodation, the total amount reported from January to July 2025 is N6,083,229. (verified records with Cocos Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotel, Abuja, NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment (Asaba), and Mayor & Diplomat Hotel, Lagos).”
The Authority noted that the figures indicate a remarkable improvement in compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which governs consumer protection.
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Figures posted on the NCAA’s official X account on Saturday showed the airline refunded N257,195,724.39 within the period under review.
In July, the NCAA Director-General convened a meeting with domestic airlines, stressing a zero-tolerance stance on delayed refunds and flight disruption compensations. Airlines were warned that non-compliance could attract sanctions, including fines and possible suspension of operations.
“The figures above show that there is a remarkable improvement in compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” Aero Contractors stated.
While acknowledging the peculiar challenges of the operating environment, the NCAA added that the Authority will continue to protect the rights of all stakeholders.
