The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive prohibiting pilots from working simultaneously for multiple airlines, citing safety concerns and regulatory violations.
The announcement, made by acting director-general Chris Najomo in a circular titled: “Prohibition of Ad-Hoc Flight Operators for Multiple Airlines,” aims to address safety risks tied to pilots operating across different airlines using shared simulator training and proficiency checks.
According to the circular, NCAA surveillance revealed cases where pilots applied their training certifications across various airlines. The NCAA stressed that these simulator checks are “operator-specific,” intended solely for the airline affiliated with the training and its approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The circular warned that non-compliance with this rule would be treated as a violation of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, with enforcement effective from November 11, 2024. Going forward, simulator renewals will be linked directly to the operator with whom the pilot is contracted.
The directive has received support from aviation stakeholders. Capt. Mohammed Badamasi emphasised that a pilot’s commitment to a single airline enhances both safety and professionalism. He noted that pilots working across multiple airlines could compromise operational safety and violate loyalty to their primary employer.
Capt. Badamasi also highlighted that such practices could nullify insurance coverage in the event of an incident, as insurers might question the competency and legitimacy of the pilot handling the aircraft under another airline’s contract.
