FG moves to review N11,000 flight charge as Airlines resist increase

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has declared that the current N11,000 flight charge imposed on airlines per trip is no longer sustainable, warning that aviation safety could be compromised if the fee is not reviewed.

Director-General of NAMA, Mr Farouk Umar, speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a summit organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, stressed that the charge, which has remained static since 2008, does not reflect the economic realities facing the aviation sector.

He noted that airlines pay the same N11,000 fee on a Lagos–Abuja route regardless of the number of passengers onboard, while economy tickets now cost between N150,000 and N200,000.

“In 2008, we were collecting N11,000 per flight. Today, economy tickets cost between N150,000 and N200,000, yet the charge to NAMA has remained the same. This is unsustainable,” Umar stated.

He explained that NAMA operates on a cost-recovery basis and must generate enough to maintain and upgrade modern navigation, communication, and surveillance systems in line with global aviation standards. Inflation, exchange rate pressures and global supply chain disruptions have escalated costs, making the stagnant fee unworkable.

Mr Umar accused airlines of double standards for constantly adjusting ticket fares to reflect rising expenses while resisting similar measures from the aviation regulator.

He warned that failure to align charges with costs puts safety at risk.

Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon Festus Akingbaso, who represented Chairman Abdullahi Garba, stressed that transparency and collaboration were crucial to resolving the funding challenge.

He assured that the National Assembly would support NAMA and other aviation agencies if they demonstrate efficiency and accountability.