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Aero Contractors has achieved a massive 137% surge in passenger refund payouts between January and August 2025, setting a benchmark in Nigeria’s aviation industry for consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
According to verified financial records, Aero Contractors refunded passengers ₦257,195,724.39 in the first eight months of 2025.
This represents a sharp rise from ₦108,308,037.40 in the same period of 2024 and just ₦32,766,652.30 recorded in 2023. Industry analysts describe the figures as both “shocking and encouraging,” noting the milestone as a significant win for passenger rights.
In addition to refunds, passenger care obligations have also seen marked improvement. Between January and July 2025, airlines collectively spent ₦6,083,229 on Hotel Accommodation (HOTAC) for stranded or delayed passengers.
The verified establishments included Cocos Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotel (Abuja), NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment (Asaba), Mayor Hotel, and Diplomat Hotel (Lagos).
These figures, though modest compared to refund payouts, reflect growing accountability within the sector.
Director of Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu, praised the results as a turning point in airline compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which outlines standards for refunds and passenger compensation.
“The Passenger refund figures above show that there is a remarkable improvement in compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” Achimugu stated.
“While acknowledging the peculiar challenges of our operating environment, the Authority will continue to protect the rights of all stakeholders.”
He stressed that this progress extends beyond Aero Contractors alone.
“These Passenger refund figures cut across most of the airlines. This is one of our proudest achievements, knowing that way more passengers are being protected now than ever before, in the 25-year history of the NCAA,” Achimugu explained.
However, Achimugu also urged balance, highlighting the importance of safeguarding aviation staff alongside passengers.
“In the same vein, we must also protect airline staff and cabin crew against every form of violence and assault.
May safety continue to be the foundation of the industry as we grow towards the attainment of world class service across board,” he added.
Industry observers say Aero’s leadership in refund compliance strengthens public trust in the aviation sector at a time when Nigerian air travellers are demanding greater accountability.
For regulators, the numbers validate the NCAA’s recent reforms and renewed enforcement of passenger rights.
The NCAA has vowed to intensify oversight to ensure that all airlines respect passenger entitlements, including timely refunds, accommodation, and compensation.
The authority says this will foster a fairer, safer, and more reliable aviation sector that aligns with international standards.
With Aero Contractors’ 137% increase in passenger refund payments, industry stakeholders say airlines can no longer afford to neglect consumer protection.
The NCAA’s monitoring, they add, is positioning Nigerian aviation for stronger passenger confidence and these passenger refund will improve sustainable growth.
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