The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to foreign airlines, threatening sanctions if they fail to comply with directives aimed at making air travel more affordable for the Nigerian middle class.
Despite a recent meeting between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and key stakeholders, including foreign airlines, to discuss enhanced transparency in air ticketing, investigations reveal that not all airlines have adhered to the directive.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, stated that non-compliance could lead to sanctions, emphasizing the need for foreign airlines to release low inventory tickets promptly.
However, some airline operators have initiated partial releases, raising concerns about transparency in the process. There are suspicions that certain carriers are strategically withholding tickets to encourage the use of dollar cards for purchases.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, has taken action against non-compliant airlines, notably calling out Air France. A 10-member committee has been established to oversee full compliance and propose suitable pricing strategies, considering Nigeria's unique market dynamics.
The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokoma, acknowledges the complexity of the situation, emphasizing ongoing conversations between foreign airlines and the NCAA.
The lack of immediate action by airlines following the directive has led to significant discrepancies in ticket prices, with some exceeding N3 million. Industry stakeholders, including the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, attribute the delay in releasing low-inventory tickets to the challenges posed by high foreign exchange rates.
Passengers are grappling with unpredictable travel costs, exacerbated by the surge in Jet A1 fuel prices. Travel agencies report ongoing challenges, citing opaque airline policies and the absence of clear communication regarding plans to lower fares.
As the industry navigates these complexities, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, faces the task of preventing further airline suspensions in the Nigerian market.
