Effective communication is fundamental to the safety, efficiency, and coordination of airline operations. Despite the existence of standardized communication procedures, communication failures continue to constitute a significant threat to aviation safety. This study investigated the effects of communication breakdowns on airline safety operations. The study sought to identify the major causes of communication breakdowns, evaluate existing communication protocols and safety measures, examine the effects of communication failures on flight safety and operational efficiency, and propose strategies for improving communication effectiveness. A survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised 500 aviation stakeholders directly involved in operational communication, including pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, and ground operations personnel. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 222 respondents was selected through multi-stage sampling, while 184 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a six-point Likert scale and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations. Findings revealed that communication breakdowns are primarily caused by poor radio transmission quality, ambiguous language use, high workload and fatigue, inadequate recurrent training, and equipment failures. The study further found that existing communication protocols are moderately inadequate and that communication failures significantly reduce situational awareness, delay decision-making, and increase operational risk. Respondents strongly supported the modernization of communication equipment, continuous training, and strengthened regulatory oversight as measures for improving communication effectiveness. The study concludes that enhancing communication systems and practices is critical for improving airline safety performance and operational resilience within the Nigerian aviation industry.

Keywords: Communication Breakdown, Airline Safety, Aviation Communication, Operational Efficiency.