Fakoyejo OlalekanThe Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, has denied reports that foreign airlines are no longer receiving Naira from their customers for flight ticket within the country.
Nuhu said if such action were to be made by the international airlines, they are mandated to inform the Nigerian aviation authorities ahead, but the decision hasn’t been communicated to the industry regulator.
Recall that reports had emerged that the foreign airlines are now selling flight tickets to only customers with dollars, with South African Airways reported to have requested a different currency, other than naira, on August 10, after foreign airlines trapped funds in Nigeria rose to $450 million.
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Speaking on the possible change in currency demanded for flight ticket by foreign airlines, Nuhu told reporters on Thursday, that, “In fact, on one of the airlines that is claimed in the social media to be selling in dollars, I actually got its ticket purchased today in naira in preparation for the ICAO event coming up next month.
“I bought the ticket ahead of time so that I can get a lower price. So, we are not aware of dollarisation where airlines have demanded dollars for the purchase of tickets.”
Nuhu also said in the last 10 years, mandatory charges on airlines have been reviewed, although he admitted that the substantive rates are outdated, but they wouldn’t be changed anytime soon, despite having an impact on airlines’ current cost of operation “Certainly, we would have to sit at a round-table to review the charges but not now if at all, we will have to review the charges with the stakeholders.” Nuhu said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu, said aviation authorities will not increase charges due to the current hike in flight tickets which passengers are facing.
“While it is true that the cost of aviation fuel has gone astronomically high and has adversely affected airline operators worldwide, culminating in an increase in ticket fares, we want to reiterate that FAAN has not increased its charges.
“We are mindful of the challenges of our esteemed passengers and other airport users as a result of the increase in airfares, hence, the need not to increase the charges. However, the Federal Government and agencies within the aviation sector have intensified efforts to ensure that the challenges facing it are resolved.” the FAAN MD said.
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