HIGH FARES KEEP NIGERIA’S DOMESTIC AVIATION MARKET STAGNANT

Nigeria’s domestic aviation market remains largely stagnant, with about 15 million passenger journeys recorded annually, according to aviation expert Dr Alex Nwuba.
Nwuba explained that the figure does not represent 15 million individual Nigerians travelling by air. He said the trips are largely generated by about one million people who fly repeatedly, while high ticket prices continue to keep many potential passengers away from air travel.
He attributed the high cost of domestic airfares partly to the multiple charges imposed on airlines by various government agencies. According to him, these costs are ultimately passed on to passengers through higher ticket prices.
The aviation expert said the situation has created a difficult cycle for domestic airlines, as expensive tickets discourage potential travellers while operators continue to face high operating costs.
He also identified other challenges affecting the sector, including foreign exchange fluctuations, aircraft maintenance costs and the rising price of aviation fuel. He called for reforms aimed at reducing the cost of operating airlines in Nigeria.
Nwuba said making domestic air travel more affordable could expand the passenger market and support economic activities, including business, tourism, education and medical travel. He therefore urged the government to review aviation taxes and charges as part of efforts to grow Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector.