The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has placed 11 local airlines on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid statutory charges owed to the aviation regulator.
The decision, which was contained in an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, may affect the airlines’ access to important regulatory services, including the renewal of operational approvals such as Air Operator’s Certificates (AOC), Air Transport Licences (ATL), and Airline Operating Permits (AOP).
According to the memo, the aviation authority directed all its departments to immediately stop offering administrative and regulatory services to the affected airlines until they either pay their outstanding debts or agree on repayment arrangements.
The airlines listed in the directive include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, ValueJet, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, and Rano Air.
At the centre of the issue are the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, which airlines collect from passengers and cargo operators on behalf of the NCAA. These funds are important to the regulator because they help finance safety inspections, staff training, and economic oversight within the aviation sector.
The memo was signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, and sent to regional offices and various departments within the authority. It instructed officials not to provide services to the listed airlines unless clearance is received from the finance department confirming settlement of the debts.
The directive also stated that all suspended services would remain on hold until the airlines’ financial obligations are verified and cleared.
The development has created fresh concerns within Nigeria’s aviation industry, especially among operators and passengers who fear that prolonged disagreements between the regulator and the airlines could lead to delays in approvals and disruptions in flight operations.
Some of the affected airlines, however, claimed they were not aware of the directive. A spokesperson for Arik Air, Banji Ola, said the airline had no information about the order when contacted.
Attempts to get reactions from representatives of Air Peace and Ibom Air were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to their officials were not answered at the time the report was filed.
Industry observers say the situation highlights the financial pressure facing many domestic airlines and the need for stronger cooperation between operators and regulators to prevent disruptions in Nigeria’s air transport sector.
