The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called for an urgent review of the 54 charges imposed on Nigerian airlines, warning that the current cost structure threatens the profitability, competitiveness and long-term growth of indigenous carriers.
AON Vice Chairman and Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, raised the concern at the 30th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents in Lagos on Wednesday. The conference focused on the challenge of balancing government revenue generation with the need to build a sustainable aviation industry.
According to Onyema, the numerous taxes, levies and operational charges faced by airlines have created a heavy financial burden for operators, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerian airlines to compete effectively on domestic and international routes.
Onyema said the industry cannot achieve sustainable growth unless authorities reconsider the volume and impact of charges imposed on airline operators.
He also pointed to an earlier regional commitment by ECOWAS leaders to reduce certain aviation taxes across West Africa by 25 per cent, saying the agreement has yet to deliver the expected relief to airlines.
The Air Peace boss argued that reducing the financial pressure on carriers could strengthen the aviation sector, improve airline sustainability and ultimately benefit passengers and government agencies.
Onyema expressed optimism that direct engagement between airline operators and President Bola Tinubu could lead to policy interventions that support indigenous aviation businesses.
He cited a previous intervention involving a four per cent Free on Board customs duty, which he said was withdrawn after concerns were raised about its potential impact on airline operations.
Beyond aviation charges, AON spokesman and United Nigeria Airlines Chairman, Obiora Okonkwo, highlighted other operational challenges confronting local carriers.
Okonkwo said recurring bird strikes have caused aircraft damage and prolonged periods in which planes remain out of service, adding further financial strain to airlines that often rely partly on bank financing to acquire aircraft.
He said an Embraer E-190 operated by his airline had remained grounded for nearly two weeks following a bird strike, despite repairs.
The AON spokesman criticised the level of wildlife hazard management at airports and called for stronger measures to reduce the frequency of bird strikes.
Key concerns raised by operators include:
- The high number of aviation charges and levies;
- Rising aircraft maintenance and repair costs;
- Bird strikes and aircraft-on-ground incidents;
- The financial burden of aircraft acquisition loans;
- Airport and ramp congestion;
- Safety concerns involving unruly passengers; and
- Pressure on airport infrastructure as more operators enter the market.
Okonkwo also questioned whether Nigeria’s airport infrastructure can accommodate the growing number of airline operators and aircraft.
He said the process of obtaining an Airline Operating Certificate previously took several years, but some newer operators are now receiving certification within months. While welcoming competition, he warned that infrastructure development must keep pace with the expansion of the sector.
According to him, congestion at airport ramps has already created operational delays, including incidents in which passengers could not immediately disembark because of limited space and ground handling capacity.
The concern raises a broader policy question for Nigeria’s aviation industry: whether the rapid expansion of airline operations is being matched by investment in terminals, ramps, airside facilities and other critical infrastructure.
The latest intervention by AON places the spotlight on the wider debate over how government agencies can generate revenue without imposing costs that weaken airline operations.
For Nigerian airlines, the challenge extends beyond competition for passengers. Operators must manage taxes, charges, foreign exchange pressures, aircraft maintenance, infrastructure limitations and other operational risks.
AON’s call for a review of the 54 aviation charges is therefore likely to intensify pressure for wider reforms in the sector. The next major test will be whether the Federal Government and aviation regulators engage airline operators and consider changes that reduce operating costs while preserving the revenue needs of aviation agencies.
The outcome could have significant implications for airline ticket pricing, industry investment, passenger services and the ability of indigenous carriers to compete within Africa and on international routes.
