FG May Sanction Foreign Airlines Over High Ticket Fares

The Federal Government has threatened to sanction foreign airlines in contravention of the directive to release low-inventory tickets within weeks. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority met with airline operators, the NCAA, foreign airlines, and the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies in Abuja last week where the directive was issued. During the meeting, the foreign airlines pledged to enhance transparency in air ticketing processes by releasing low inventory tickets, making them significantly more affordable for the Nigerian middle class. This followed the release by the Federal Government of part of the $700m trapped air ticket funds to foreign airlines. However, it was discovered that some foreign airlines are yet to comply with the directive. Addressing the issue of defaulting airlines in an interview on Saturday, the director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said such airlines risk sanctions.