…As Air Peace reduces Abuja-London flight frequency
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a 30 per cent discount on outstanding debts owed by Nigerian airlines will offer only temporary relief unless the Federal Government tackles the deeper structural challenges crippling the aviation sector.
The group said the major threat to the survival of domestic airlines remains the heavy burden of multiple taxes, fees, and levies imposed by regulatory agencies, which continue to erode profitability and weaken operations across the industry.
In a statement issued over the Weekend by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muda Yusuf, CPPE commended President Tinubu for the debt relief initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for operators struggling with escalating and unsustainable operating costs.
It also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his consistent engagement with stakeholders in the aviation sector.
However, CPPE stressed that the debt discount does not address the root cause of the crisis, particularly the excessive charges imposed by agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
According to the organisation, these charges account for as much as 35 per cent of airline revenues, a level it described as unsustainable for an industry known for thin profit margins.
It noted that Nigeria’s aviation sector remains critical to economic connectivity, trade facilitation, investment flows, business mobility, and national integration, especially as worsening insecurity on roads has made air travel a safer option for many Nigerians.
Despite its strategic role, CPPE said the sector continues to witness a high airline mortality rate due to the harsh operating environment and mounting financial pressures on operators.
The group therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently rationalise aviation charges, including ticket sales charges, cargo sales charges, passenger service charges, landing and parking fees, aircraft inspection charges, administrative and facility fees, boarding bridge charges, fuel-related charges, and import duties on aircraft and spare parts.
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It argued that reducing both the multiplicity and magnitude of these charges would improve the viability, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of domestic airlines.
CPPE added that excessive financial pressure on operators could also pose risks to operational safety standards, making comprehensive reform of the aviation cost environment an urgent national priority.
Meanwhile, Air Peace Ltd. has reduced its Abuja-London flight frequency to three times per week amid Jet A1 (aviation fuel) supply constraints.
The airline made the announcement in a statement it posted on X on Saturday.
“We wish to inform you that our Abuja to London service has been temporarily adjusted to three weekly flights until July 1.
“This is due to the current aviation fuel supply constraints affecting flight operations nationwide and around the world.
“This measure is necessary to maintain the highest standards of safety and operational reliability during this period, with full operational frequency on our London service scheduled to resume from July 1.
“We recognise that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” it said.
It gave the assurance that it was monitoring the situation and working closely with relevant stakeholders.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to serving its customers safely, reliably and with care.
