The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed that passengers are entitled to ticket refunds within 14 days of a flight cancellation, in line with its consumer protection regulations. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme on Saturday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stressed the agency’s dedication to upholding passenger rights. “For non-cash ticket purchases, airlines have 14 days to issue refunds,” Achimugu noted. “Failure to comply within that period will attract sanctions.” This reminder follows rising public frustration over persistent flight delays and cancellations. While acknowledging the surge in complaints, Achimugu pointed out that not all disruptions are attributable to the airlines. “Air Peace operates more flights than probably all other domestic airlines combined,” he noted. “Naturally, their disruption rate is higher. However, the NCAA has a duty to hold them accountable where they are at fault.” Achimugu added that the NCAA has advised operators to cut down on routes when aircraft availability is limited, rather than overselling tickets for flights they may not be able to honour. “If you are operating five aircraft and two develop faults, then you must reduce the number of flights for that day,” he said. “Do not sell tickets to destinations you might not fly.” He warned that airlines failing to adjust their operations accordingly or repeatedly breaching consumer protection regulations would face stiffer penalties this year.