By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all its departments to suspend services to 11 domestic airlines over unpaid statutory charges. The directive, issued through an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, affects regulatory and administrative support until the airlines clear their debts or agree on repayment plans. The affected charges include the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, which fund aviation oversight, training, and economic regulation. The move could disrupt airline operations and affect passengers across Nigeria.
NCAA Enforces “No-Pay-No-Service” Directive
News Point Nigeria gathered that the NCAA placed the airlines on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list following outstanding financial obligations.
According to the memo, every directorate within the aviation authority must stop providing services to the listed operators until the Directorate of Finance and Accounts grants financial clearance.
The Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, signed the directive and circulated it to NCAA regional offices. The authority also copied the Director-General of Civil Aviation and senior officials.
The memo stated:
“The DGCA has directed that no directorate should render any service to the above airline without financial clearance from the director of finance and account.”
Airlines Affected by NCAA Suspension
The airlines listed in the directive are:
- 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
- ValueJet
Charges at the Centre of the Dispute
At the centre of the dispute are the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge.
Airlines collect these statutory charges on behalf of the NCAA. The funds support aviation safety oversight, personnel development, regulatory monitoring, and economic supervision within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
However, unpaid remittances prompted the regulator to activate enforcement measures.
Concerns Over Possible Operational Disruptions
Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that the directive may affect airline operations if the dispute continues.
Passengers could experience delays or service interruptions if regulatory approvals and support services remain suspended. Aviation operators may also face additional pressure to settle outstanding obligations quickly and maintain uninterrupted operations.
