Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shola Adekola
Published on 2024-03-03 14:02:25
The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has identified passengers’ behavior as the primary cause of flight delays in Nigeria, leading to significant financial losses estimated at about N15 billion annually for airlines in the industry. According to Onyema, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) states that airlines contribute minimally to flight delays, with weather, VIP movement, technical issues, and Aircraft on Ground (AOG) being the main factors. However, in Nigeria, passenger behavior plays a crucial role in causing delays and cancellations due to a lack of adherence to rescheduling policies when flights are disrupted.
Onyema highlighted that when flights are cancelled, Nigerian travelers often demand to be given priority for the next available flight, disrupting the airline’s normal operations and leading to a domino effect of delays and cancellations. He emphasized the importance of passengers rescheduling their flights according to the airline’s existing schedule to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth operations, a practice followed internationally but not fully embraced in Nigeria.
The Air Peace CEO explained that delays and cancellations persist in Nigeria due to passengers’ unruly behavior and a misunderstanding of how airlines’ scheduled operations should operate. He stressed that in the event of weather-related delays or cancellations, passengers should reschedule to the next available date, rather than expecting immediate accommodation on the next flight. By following this standard procedure, subsequent flights can avoid disruption, and delays and cancellations can be significantly reduced.
Onyema provided an example of how passenger insistence on immediate accommodation can disrupt multiple flights in a day, leading to operational challenges for airlines. He described a situation where passengers protested against a pilot’s decision to divert a flight due to weather conditions, resulting in multiple flight disruptions and chaos at the airport. The CEO emphasized the impact of such disruptions, stating that they can have a ripple effect on the airline’s entire schedule for up to two weeks, causing prolonged operational challenges and financial losses.
Additionally, Onyema explained how passenger actions can affect multiple flights scheduled for the day, leading to a cascading effect on operations across different airports. He highlighted the challenges faced by airlines when trying to recover from such disruptions, especially when airports typically close early in the evening, limiting the opportunities for rescheduling flights and accommodating affected passengers.
In conclusion, Dr. Allen Onyema emphasized the importance of passengers understanding and following standard airline procedures for rescheduling flights to minimize delays and cancellations in Nigeria. By aligning with international aviation practices and embracing a culture of cooperation during flight disruptions, both airlines and passengers can contribute to smoother operations and improved efficiency within the aviation industry in the country.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
