The high expenses associated with Air Travel in Nigeria have prompted the Federal Government, under the leadership of Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to seek measures to address the issue. To this end, discussions were initiated with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), bringing together eminent personalities like Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, President of AON, alongside executive members and multiple airline operators. This significant meeting took place on December 15, 2023.
At the meeting, the primary focus of the discussions was the introduction of Subsidies for airfares, with the intention of making travel more affordable for passengers. According to a report, during the meeting, it was proposed that passengers would be required to fill out a form provided by the airline they choose to fly with. Upon completion, the forms shall be transmitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who will facilitate a reimbursement of 50 percent of the ticket’s worth, while accounting for applicable taxes and fees.
Process is involved in the new initiative for people.
It is noteworthy that the deductions will encompass the five percent Tickets Sales Charge (TSC) collected by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on behalf of certain entities. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the wheels are already in motion to bring this plan to life, and it is anticipated that the project will commence in February once all the vital particulars have been sorted out. During the meeting, an individual quoted as a reliable source underlined the significance of the procedure.
This new concept revolves around selecting a suitable form and completing personal particulars for anyone intending to embark on a journey. Subsequently, this data will be forwarded to the CBN in order to obtain a reimbursement worth half the original ticket price. In Nigeria, there has been an overwhelming increase in air travel expenses, prompting swift action. Media outlets previously shed light on this concerning trend, highlighting a significant jump in one-way ticket prices from ₦35,000 in 2021 to an excessive range spanning from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000.
Airline manager says meeting customers’ needs is paramount.
Unsurprisingly, highly traversed paths like the journey from Lagos to Abuja are accompanied by steep fare tags, reaching as high as ₦100,000. On the other hand, destinations such as Owerri, Enugu, Anambra, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Asaba, and Benin offer a range of Economy airfare prices for a one-hour flight, spanning from ₦160,000 to ₦200,000. Recent efforts to tackle the challenges experienced by the aviation industry have been met with approval from the federal government. A notable occurrence in this regard is the introduction of NG Eagle Airline, a fresh addition to Nigeria aviation sector.
Capt. AE Dare, the Managing Director of this new airline, has cited its primary objective as improving travelers’ connectivity and overall convenience. NG Eagle Airline focuses on meeting the needs of domestic travelers by providing affordable ticket prices and ensuring excellent customer service. This strategic approach aims to enhance the aviation industry, providing a wider range of options for passengers and potentially shaping market dynamics. The Nigerian government is actively seeking solutions to the skyrocketing prices of air travel.
Government is striving to achieve affordability in air travel.
Through close collaboration with industry stakeholders and the implementation of subsidies, the government is actively striving to enhance accessibility and affordability in air travel for the Nigerian people. Everyone eagerly awaits the outcomes of these initiatives, as they possess the potential to bring about a significant transformation in the aviation sector in the foreseeable future. The efforts to address soaring air travel costs reflect a commitment to making flying a more viable option for a broader segment of the Nigerian society. This proactive approach underscores the government’s dedication to fostering positive changes within the aviation sector, with the anticipation that these measures will yield tangible benefits for both operators and passengers alike.
