A new report by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revealed that Ibom Air and United Nigeria Airlinesrecorded the highest number of missing and delayed baggage among domestic carriers in 2024. On international routes, Air France, KLM, and Egypt Air topped the list for baggage mishaps among airlines operating in Nigeria.
Domestic Airlines with the Most Missing and Delayed Luggage
In 2024, a total of 47,923 bags were reported missing or delayed across both local and international airlines in Nigeria. Among domestic carriers, the worst offenders were:
- Ibom Air – 130 delayed/missing bags
- United Nigeria Airlines – 86
- Air Peace – 74
- Aero Contractors – 47
- Green Africa – 1
- Max Air – 5
- NG Eagle & Rano Air – 1 each
Meanwhile, Azman Air, Dana Air, Overland Airways, Value Jet, and XEJet reported zero missing or delayed baggage.
International Airlines with the Most Baggage Issues
Among foreign carriers, Air France had the highest number of missing or delayed bags with 5,097 cases, followed closely by:
- KLM – 4,696
- Egypt Air – 4,462
- Royal Air Maroc – 3,999
- British Airways – 3,737
- Kenya Airways – 3,122
- Virgin Atlantic – 2,942
- Delta Airlines – 2,321
- Qatar Airways – 2,090
- Turkish Airlines – 2,835
Other notable mentions include Ethiopian Airlines (1,197), RwandAir (943), South African Airways (259), and Emirates Airlines (79).
More Baggage Issues on International Flights
The report highlights that international airlines accounted for a significantly higher number of missing or delayed baggage compared to domestic carriers. Out of 47,923 cases recorded, international airlines were responsible for 47,493, while domestic carriers accounted for just 430.
Fortunately, most of the misplaced luggage was recovered, with 43,569 bags eventually found—43,140 from international carriers and 429 from local airlines. However, 4,354 bags remained unaccounted for.
While some Nigerian airlines operating regional routes—Overland Airways, Ibom Air, and Value Jet—recorded zeromissing or delayed baggage in their international operations, the overall trend suggests that baggage handling remains a major issue, particularly with foreign airlines.
With these numbers in mind, passengers may want to take extra precautions when flying with airlines that have high baggage mishandling records.
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