The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a significant breakthrough for Nigerian air travelers, as they are set to benefit from reduced prices on international flights.
This welcome development follows successful negotiations conducted by the NCAA with international airlines operating within Nigeria.
Two weeks ago, Captain Chris Najomo, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), announced the establishment of a high-level committee. This committee is assigned the task of examining the various factors influencing international airfare prices to reduce them.
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Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at NCAA, announced this milestone through a post on his official account on Thursday. He revealed that after a prolonged period of elevated international airfare costs burdening Nigerian travelers, international airlines have collectively agreed to reduce their ticket prices.
Achimugu explained that following a year characterized by high international airfare costs burdening Nigerian travelers, international airlines have come to a collective agreement to decrease their ticket prices. However, he pointed out that there is one carrier that has not yet adhered to this agreement to lower fares.
He disclosed that this positive change is the result of strategic meetings led by Capt. Chris Najomo, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), held on February 12th and 13th. These meetings aimed to negotiate more affordable airfare rates from foreign airlines for Nigerians.
“I am proud to announce that, after the meetings with international airlines on the 12th and 13th of February, all of the airlines – bar one, have reopened their low-inventory tickets for Nigerians to access lower ticket prices for international flights. Recall that most of these airlines had closed the low tickets to Nigerians for about a year, subjecting our citizens to only the highest possible airfares. But the swift intervention of Capt. Chris Najomo, DGCA, has eased the situation. More wins to come,” Achimugu’s post on X read.
I am proud to announce that, after the meetings with international airlines on the 12th and 13th of February, all of the airlines – bar one, have reopened their low-inventory tickets for Nigerians to access lower ticket prices for international flights. Recall that most of these… https://t.co/UNxy1geJHS
— Michael Achimugu (@mikeachimugu01) February 29, 2024
This move is anticipated to alleviate the financial strain on Nigerian travelers and make international travel more accessible. It signifies a proactive approach by the NCAA to address the issue of steep international airfares that Nigerian travelers have faced.
The announcement comes in the wake of Air Peace airline’s decision to lower airfares with its debut flight to the UK. Last week, Air Peace announced plans to commence flights to London Gatwick. Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, said that the Air Peace London route was established to combat high fares from Nigeria to London, aiming to provide Nigerians with more affordable travel options.
Currently, direct flights to London from Lagos on economy class with British Airways cost approximately 788 pounds for a round trip, equivalent to about N2,357,900, while a one-way ticket is priced at 565 pounds, equivalent to N1,629,535. Similarly, Virgin Atlantic Airways offers round-trip tickets from Lagos to London at $1,460 (about N2,357,900) for the cheapest option.
Air Peace has announced that its Return Economy Class Ticket will be priced at N1,200,000, while a Return Business Class Ticket will sell for N4,000,000. Additionally, Nigerian students studying in the UK can access a special 15% rebate on the already reduced Economy fares.
Stakeholders in the aviation industry have hailed the development. They said the move by Air Peace and the collective decision of international airlines to lower ticket prices reflect a positive shift towards making air travel more affordable and accessible for Nigerians.
In a broader context, the reduction in airfare prices represents a significant victory for Nigerian travelers, who have long grappled with the financial strain of expensive international flights. High airfares have been a barrier to travel for many Nigerians, limiting opportunities for business, education, and leisure. By making air travel more affordable, these initiatives have the potential to stimulate economic growth, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen international relations.
Furthermore, the reduction in airfare prices is expected to have a ripple effect across the Nigerian aviation sector. Increased demand for air travel could lead to higher passenger volumes, which would benefit airlines, airports, and related industries. Additionally, stakeholders said they expect the affordable airfares to attract more foreign tourists to Nigeria, boosting the country’s tourism sector and contributing to job creation and revenue generation.
It is hoped that these initiatives will stimulate increased travel and positively impact the Nigerian aviation sector as a whole.