New Digital Platform ‘PROPEL’ Unveiled to Tackle Flight Disruptions in Nigeria
In a bold move to address the persistent challenge of flight disruptions in Nigeria, a tech-driven solution known as the PROPEL Protection System has been officially launched in Lagos.
Developed by Aero Assist Hub in collaboration with Avitech Solutions and Leadway Assurance, the innovative platform is designed to re-protect airline passengers swiftly and seamlessly whenever flight delays or cancellations occur.
The unveiling, which took place at the Radisson Hotel, drew representatives from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), domestic airlines, travel agencies, and key stakeholders from across the aviation industry.
Backed by the NCAA and applauded by aviation experts, PROPEL is being positioned as a game-changing response to what has become an enduring crisis for both airlines and passengers in the Nigerian aviation space.
The PROPEL system enables real-time rebooking for affected passengers by allowing airlines experiencing disruption to instantly request assistance via the digital platform.
Partner airlines are then notified and can accept passengers based on available seats, ensuring no revenue is lost while also elevating passenger satisfaction.
“We are solving a local problem with a local solution,” said Olumide Ojutalayo, Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub. “What we’ve built is not just a concept — it’s a practical tool that comes with financial backing to ease the cash flow challenges that have often crippled Nigerian airlines during disruptions.”
The process maintains the conventional physical transfer of passengers, but with added digital efficiency. PROPEL also ensures the departing airline is promptly reimbursed, with the consortium standing by to reconcile details and disburse payments.
Furthermore, a contingency fund will be deposited with participating airlines to ensure quick settlements, even when a standard refund and compensation rules (RCR) ticket is not available.
In instances where passengers are not rebooked until the following day, PROPEL offers overnight accommodation support — N20,000 per passenger. A family of four, for instance, will receive N80,000 collectively.
Refund support is also available, depending on the airline’s discretion, through a streamlined request and settlement feature on the platform.
The PROPEL Protection System brings a raft of advantages, including:
No revenue loss for airlines
Zero workflow disruption
Instant settlements
Optional refund assistance
Enhanced brand reputation
N20,000 overnight stay support for delays
Restored passenger confidence in Nigerian aviation
“This initiative is built around the passenger,” explained Diana Mulili, Head of Digital Business at Leadway Assurance. “Most affected passengers don’t even want their money back — they simply want to get to their destination. PROPEL offers that assurance.”
The robust platform has been meticulously developed with flexibility in mind, catering to both fully integrated airline systems and those with less technical infrastructure.
“We’ve had extensive feedback sessions with all stakeholders,” said Mulili. “Some airlines are ready for full tech integration, others want simpler interfaces. PROPEL adapts to both. What matters most is seamless protection of passengers in real time.”
The pilot scheme is slated for rollout in August, running initially for eight months to gather further industry feedback and fine-tune the platform before full deployment.
From a legal standpoint, PROPEL respects and strengthens passengers’ rights without interfering with existing consumer protection regulations.
“Our platform sits within the contractual relationship between the airlines and their passengers,” stated Olufunke Junaid, Legal Adviser to Aero Assist Hub. “The passengers’ rights under NCAA rules remain fully protected, and we are simply enhancing enforcement through technological means.”
Junaid noted the high level of engagement from airlines during the feedback session, which overran its allocated time — a testament to the industry’s enthusiasm.
In a keynote delivered on behalf of the NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, described PROPEL as a product of “powerful collaboration between three industry leaders,” lauding its potential to ensure “seamless coordination, funding and operational reliability.”
“This is not a day for flowery words. The Honourable Minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum,” Achimugu said. “In this industry, the passenger is the reason every other stakeholder exists. They are entitled, therefore, to better services and in accordance with global best standards.”
He revealed that several domestic carriers have already begun discussions with the PROPEL promoters on integration methods. “This solution promises to minimise delays, offer seamless experiences and restore public confidence in Nigerian aviation,” he affirmed.
Declaring the forum open, Achimugu reiterated the NCAA’s endorsement: “The DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo, is himself a staunch protector of consumer rights, and that is why we proudly introduce the PROPEL solution. If the airlines give their buy-in, and I sincerely hope they do, we may just make history by fixing the most critical aspect of civil aviation in Nigeria.”
The General Manager of Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Ms Ikwo Uloh, expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that the regulator sees it as a win-win.
“From when the promoters visited our office to today’s meeting with carriers, we at the NCAA are confident this does not interfere with our mandate. Any solution that enhances the re-protection of passengers is welcome,” she said.
She urged the PROPEL promoters to intensify engagement with airlines to ensure full system integration.
With the rainy season and the likelihood of bird strikes poised to increase flight disruptions in the coming months, the PROPEL team is positioning the solution as a vital tool to cushion the impact.
“This has been co-created with the industry,” said Ojutalayo. “We’ve listened to the passengers. We’ve designed for the airlines. We’ve engineered for sustainability. We’re ready to go to the field and deliver relief to the Nigerian travelling public.”
As the Nigerian aviation sector continues its evolution, PROPEL could very well signal a new era where innovation, collaboration, and technology converge to make flying not just reliable, but truly passenger-centric.
