NCAA suspends services to Air Peace, Ibom Air, others over debts

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed the suspension of services to 11 domestic airlines over unpaid statutory charges, placing them on its “No-Pay-No-Service” list.

The directive, contained in an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, instructed all departments of the authority to withhold regulatory and administrative services from the affected airlines until their debts are settled or structured repayment plans are agreed.

At issue are outstanding remittances from the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge—levies collected by airlines on behalf of the NCAA to fund safety oversight, staff training and regulatory functions in the aviation sector.

The memo, signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, was circulated across NCAA offices and copied to the Director-General of Civil Aviation and other top officials.

Airlines affected by the directive include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.

According to the directive, no NCAA directorate is permitted to render services to the listed airlines without financial clearance from the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.

The move raises concerns over potential disruptions in airline operations, as the affected carriers may face delays in accessing essential regulatory support until their financial obligations are resolved.