The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed 11 domestic airlines on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid statutory charges, in a move set to disrupt regulatory support for affected operators, according to Punch Newspapers.
The enforcement action targets carriers owing outstanding remittances tied to the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, which are collected by airlines on behalf of the NCAA to fund safety oversight, training, and regulatory operations.
An internal memo dated May 22, 2026, directed all directorates within the NCAA to withhold services from defaulting airlines until they obtain financial clearance or agree repayment plans. The directive was circulated across regional offices and copied to senior aviation officials.
Under the order, the affected airlines risk delays in approvals, certifications, and other essential regulatory services, raising concerns over possible operational disruptions across the domestic aviation sector.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, said the agency recognises economic pressures facing operators but stressed that financial compliance is necessary to sustain safety oversight and international aviation standards.
Airlines listed in the directive include Air Peace Limited, Ibom Air Limited, Arik Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air Limited, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.
The memo stated that no directorate should render services to the affected carriers without clearance from the finance department.
Industry reactions highlight mounting financial strain, with operators citing rising aviation fuel costs, foreign exchange pressure, and limited ability to adjust fares as key challenges affecting sustainability.
Ibom Air’s Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, said soaring fuel prices had significantly distorted airline cost structures, leaving many operators struggling to maintain cash flow for daily operations.
Aviation expert Samuel Caulcrick also warned that broader structural issues, including inflation and weak passenger demand, continue to threaten the long-term viability of Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector.
