Airport Reporters

  Enhancing stiffer sanctions for unruly passengers' behaviour at airports  Rising demand for air travel across the globe is fueled by time saving , comfort, protocol - driven safety ,standards, processes , procedures as well as other  characteristics differentiating  this  transportation mode  from road , water , rail and pipeline.  But, this lure  is now threatened by  growing incidence of unruly behaviour of passengers , triggering unease  among regulators, operators ,  security personnel and others professionals overseeing safety  jurisdictions at airports. Enforcing sanctions such  as higher fines, flight bans  in the broader implementation of the full weight of relevant laws , experts say  could turn the curve, writes,  KELVIN OSA - OKUNBOR  The desire to cover long distances , measured in thousands of kilometres  in shorter time ,  leveraging speed , comfort and safety is pulling more p...

NAAPE cautions on implications of aviation fuel shortage ....Says development put passenger safety at risk, as crew fatigue mounts  Fresh concerns have emerged over the growing impact of Nigeria’s Jet A1 aviation fuel shortages, with the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, warning that prolonged supply disruptions now pose serious risks to flight safety, airline sustainability, and workforce stability across the country’s aviation industry. The union, which represents licensed pilots and aeronautical engineers, said the persistent scarcity of aviation fuel has triggered widespread operational disruptions, including flight delays, extended crew duty periods, and route adjustments by airlines already struggling with rising operating costs. The development comes at a difficult period for Nigeria’s aviation sector, where airlines continue to contend with foreign exchange volatility, high maintenance costs, airport infrastructure challenges, and fluctuating fue...

 Delta Grounds Lagos Flight, Passengers Stranded — But Where Is the Social Media Fury? By Fred Chukwuelobe Passengers scheduled to travel aboard Delta Airlines flight DL055 from Lagos to Atlanta were left stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after the American carrier abruptly cancelled the flight scheduled to depart at 11:45 a.m. According to information gathered from some of the affected passengers, the airline attributed the cancellation to a technical issue involving the operating aircraft in Atlanta, United States. In aviation, such situations are not unusual. Airlines across the world routinely delay or cancel flights whenever there are concerns about the airworthiness or safety of an aircraft. Safety, after all, remains the cornerstone of global aviation practice. No responsible airline is expected to operate equipment considered unsafe for passengers, crew, or cargo. However, beyond safety, there is another critical obligation airlines owe passenge...

  Air Peace and the dangerous culture of social media demarketing By Fred Chukwuelobe In recent weeks, social media has been awash with videos attacking Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous airline. Some of the videos openly call on Nigerians to boycott the airline, while others portray the carrier as incompetent, insensitive, or incapable of managing its operations. Curiously, however, many of these viral videos tell only one side of the story. A closer look reveals that some of the clips currently making the rounds are not even recent incidents. They are old videos recycled and repackaged to create the impression of an airline perpetually in crisis.  Others involve high-profile personalities such as reality TV star Tacha and Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, whose public frustrations naturally attract widespread attention and emotional reactions online. But beneath the outrage and sensational headlines lies a deeper question Nigerians must ask themselves: are we being fa...

  Obasanjo boosts Air Peace with London flight  Former Nigerian President ,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday validated Air Peace's status as a leading global brand in the transport ecosystem by flying  the airline's Boeing 777-200ER from Lagos to London Gatwick on Friday, May 8, 2026. The presence of the former president on board the airline was yet  another confirmation of high-profile nod to Nigeria’s top homegrown airline. At Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s Air Peace Premium Lounge, Chairman and CEO Chief Allen Onyema, gave the elder statesman a warm welcome. Chief Onyema described  it as a  profound honor to host and transport Nigeria’s former leader on the airline’s premier UK route.  He reaffirmed Air Peace’s dedication to safe, dependable, and top-tier travel that links people, cultures, and destinations from Nigeria to the world. Chief Onyema later personally accompanied President Obasanjo to the aircraft before departure for London Ga...

  Air Peace gives update on temporary disruption on Lagos- London Gatwick flight  Air Peace has offered an update on the circumstances surrounding the temporary disruption on its  scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service for Saturday May 9, 2026. In statement by the airline management, it explained that the flight disruption was occasioned by a minor fault in the aircraft discovered during a routine post boarding technical check , which required immediate attention. The airline said the aircraft was promptly withdrawn from service and passengers safely disembarked in line with its uncompromising commitment to safety and global aviation standards. All affected passengers, the airline said have been  informed and provided with support, including hotel accommodation and other necessary assistance to ensure their comfort.  To minimise further disruption,  the airline said a replacement aircraft from London will be dispatched and passengers are scheduled to depart...

Emirates named world most profitable airline after $6.6b group profit  The Emirates Group has announced record-breaking financial results for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with Emirates retaining its position as the world’s most profitable airline despite major regional disruptions late in the reporting period. The Group posted a record profit before tax of AED 24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), up 7% year-over-year, alongside record revenue of AED 150.5 billion (US$41 billion) and record cash assets of AED 59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion). His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group said: “These outstanding results, despite significant challenges in the last month of our financial year, reaffirm the strength and resilience of the Emirates Group’s business model, which is rooted in safety, excellence, innovation, people and partnerships.   “For the first 11 months of 2025-26, the picture across the Group was very positive. Stro...