NCAA tells international travellers to be at airport three hours early

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed passengers on international flights to arrive at the airport no later than three hours before departure. The advisory warns that airline check-in policies differ and latecomers risk being stranded.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, issued the guidance on Monday, August 3 via his verified X account. He urged travellers to plan carefully and use online check-in where possible.

Three-hour buffer is a practical rule

Achimugu wrote: "For international flights, please, be at the airport three hours before departure. Some airlines close their check-in counters earlier than others. Also, if you can, check in online and secure a seat number. I can't stress this enough. Better to be too early for your flight, than be late."

He also warned against dishonest travel agents. "Passenger wants to adjust flight date. They inform their travel agent. Agent tells the passenger that airline is demanding two million naira extra. Passenger is angry because the figure is too high. Turns out that travel agent and airline NEVER had such a conversation. Agent was just trying to take advantage of the passenger. Please, pay attention to the travel agents you use. Very important."

Beyond check-in, international passengers must clear security screening, immigration, and boarding before the gate closes. That process can take longer than many travellers expect. Industry observers note that because different airlines enforce different cut-off times, the three-hour window serves as a practical buffer rather than a mere suggestion.

United Nigeria Airlines gets new international routes

The NCAA advisory comes as the Federal Government approves between four and five new international destinations for United Nigeria Airlines. The approved cities include New York, Canada, and Dubai. Two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft were unveiled during the announcement in Lagos.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said the approvals aim to reduce the dominance of foreign carriers on Nigerian international routes. He noted that foreign airlines currently move between 90% and 95% of all outbound passengers from Nigeria, leaving indigenous carriers with a marginal share.

Keyamo said the new route allocations should help local airlines compete more effectively by taking full advantage of existing bilateral air service agreements.

FAAN to renovate Lagos terminal

Earlier, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria disclosed plans to begin renovation work at a terminal of the Lagos airport after securing the required approvals. FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the project had been identified for rehabilitation months earlier, but implementation was delayed by approval processes and logistical challenges.

For Nigerian travellers, the clear message is to arrive early and verify all airline charges with the carrier directly. For local airlines, the new route approvals signal a push to win back a share of the international market now dominated by foreign operators.