The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has thrown its weight behind a new technological innovation designed to tackle one of the aviation industry's most pressing challenges—flight disruptions. The initiative, known as the Propel Reprotection System, is the brainchild of a consortium comprising Aviation Assist Hub, Aviation Technology Solutions (Avitech), and Leadway Assurance.
The platform aims to provide real-time reprotection for passengers affected by delays, cancellations, and other operational hiccups, ensuring smooth transfers to partner airlines and reducing financial and reputational losses for operators.
Addressing a Long-standing Challenge
Flight delays and cancellations—often caused by weather, technical, or logistical issues—have long plagued Nigeria's domestic airspace. These disruptions not only inconvenience passengers but also strain airline operations and profitability.
The Propel Reprotection System seeks to address this by creating a network of participating airlines that can coordinate and automatically reroute affected passengers to other available flights in real-time. This reduces passenger downtime at airports and ensures business continuity for airlines.
According to the consortium, the system is designed to be both financially viable and technically adaptable, providing airlines with the flexibility to integrate at various levels of technical readiness.
Backed by the Regulator and Industry Experts
Captain Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the NCAA, endorsed the initiative, describing it as a “powerful collaboration” between key players in aviation, finance, and technology. Speaking through the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Micheal Achimugu, the NCAA emphasized the regulator's support for any initiative that enhances the passenger experience.
Achimugu said, “This is not a day for flowery words. The Minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum. In this industry, the passenger is the reason every other stakeholder exists. They are entitled to better services in accordance with global best practices.”
He highlighted that discussions were already ongoing with several domestic carriers exploring how to adopt the solution into their operational frameworks.
How Propel Works
Explaining the functionality of the platform, Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub, Mr. Olumide Ojutalayo, said the Propel system was carefully crafted with real-world aviation challenges in mind. He noted that the solution doesn’t just rely on software—it is backed by financing and logistics support to aid carriers operating under tight margins.
“We understand many airlines work with very thin margins. When disruption occurs, it becomes a problem for them and their passengers. Propel helps ease that pressure,” Ojutalayo stated. “It’s not just an idea; we’re providing immediate financial support and technical coordination to keep operations moving.”
He also emphasized that the consortium had engaged extensively with industry stakeholders—including airlines, regulators, and passengers—to fine-tune the platform ahead of its pilot phase scheduled for August.
Legal and Consumer Protection Perspective
Funke Junaid, Head of the Legal Unit at Aero Assist Hub, reassured stakeholders that the Propel platform would not override passenger rights as enshrined in NCAA regulations. Instead, it would work through contractual agreements between airlines and the consortium to ensure passengers’ rights are maintained and enhanced.
“All standard customer protections remain intact,” she said. “What we’re doing is creating a partnership framework that strengthens those rights by ensuring that passengers actually get the service they paid for—even in the face of disruptions.”
She further noted the enthusiastic feedback from airline representatives, many of whom exceeded the scheduled time for stakeholder engagement due to deep interest and collaboration.
A Fintech-Enabled Safety Net for Air Travelers
Diana Mulili, representing Leadway Assurance, described the Propel system as an “insurance-led solution” co-developed with industry stakeholders. Unlike traditional travel insurance models, Propel offers proactive resolution through seamless airline coordination, not just refunds or meal vouchers.
“Passengers don’t want their money back—they want to get to their destination,” Mulili explained. “This system guarantees that. If a disruption occurs, the passenger is simply placed on the next available flight from a partner airline without lifting a finger.”
She added that the underlying tech, developed by Avitech, is highly adaptable and capable of interfacing with various airline systems, whether fully digital or semi-automated. This makes integration smoother and allows for quicker industry-wide adoption.
What Lies Ahead
With the pilot phase set to launch in August and run for eight months, the Propel Reprotection System may very well represent a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation sector. By aligning technological innovation, financial protection, and regulatory support, the initiative could provide a model for other emerging markets facing similar air travel challenges.
As disruptions become increasingly common—especially during Nigeria’s rainy season—the aviation industry will be watching closely to see if Propel truly delivers on its promise of a more resilient and passenger-focused future.