The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has placed 11 domestic airlines on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid statutory charges, a move that could disrupt access to key regulatory services and affect airline operations across the country.

The enforcement action targets airlines that have failed to remit outstanding Ticket Sales Charges and Cargo Sales Charges, levies collected on behalf of the NCAA to fund safety oversight, training, and regulatory activities.

According to an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, and signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, all NCAA directorates have been directed to withhold services from affected airlines until they settle their debts or obtain clearance from the regulator’s finance department.

The airlines listed include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air, and ValueJet.

The memo stated that no NCAA directorate should provide services to the affected carriers without financial clearance from the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.

Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, said while the authority recognises the economic challenges facing airlines, it cannot compromise its financial sustainability, noting that unpaid remittances could weaken safety oversight and regulatory compliance.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, argued that the difficulties facing airlines stem largely from soaring operational costs, especially the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.

According to him, airlines have been forced to prioritise fuel purchases and maintenance expenses to remain operational, leaving limited resources for other obligations.

Uriesi said the financial pressure is industry-wide and not limited to a few operators, adding that many airlines are struggling to survive in an increasingly difficult operating environment.

Also commenting on the situation, former Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Samuel Caulcrick, said the challenges facing domestic airlines go beyond the disputed charges.

He noted that inflation, foreign exchange volatility, weak passenger demand, and multiple operating costs continue to threaten the sustainability of the aviation sector.

Caulcrick added that Nigerian airlines remain heavily exposed to dollar-denominated expenses such as aircraft leasing, maintenance, and spare parts, making profitability increasingly difficult in the current economic climate.

Industry observers warn that if the standoff between the regulator and affected airlines persists, passengers could experience delays in approvals, operational disruptions, and wider challenges across the domestic aviation sector.