Senior executives from Nigeria’s aviation sector have publicly criticized the dramatic surge in domestic airfares ahead of the festive season, with one calling it a “short-term cash grab” that suppresses families.
The CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, stated that the hikes reflect “structural failures” and insufficient aircraft capacity in the market, not normal demand. He urged for a predictive pricing framework and stronger consumer protection.
Echoing the sentiment, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, Chairman of West Link Airlines, questioned the rationale, noting that the cost of fuel, landing, and parking fees had not increased. “Raising the fare is simply taking advantage of a situation,” he stated.
The price surge, with some one-way tickets exceeding N300,000, has prompted the Senate to summon the Aviation Minister and regulatory heads for an investigation.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on statements from airline executives and Senate proceedings. The airlines cited for specific fare increases have not issued public rebuttals to the criticisms.
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