The Federal Government is preparing to significantly raise aviation charges, heightening concerns from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) about excessive taxation. During a seminar organized by the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents in Ikeja on Friday, July 26, Umar Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), announced the planned increases. The agency will substantially raise en-route navigational charges from the current rates of N2,000 and N6,000 per flight to N18,000 and N54,000, respectively.
Furthermore, the cost for extending service hours for airlines will increase dramatically from N50,000 to N450,000 per extension, representing an 800 percent surge. This change is intended to cover rising expenses related to diesel and other operational costs during extended hours.
Experts predict that these fee hikes could lead to a proportional increase in airfares, potentially rising by up to 800 percent. This decision comes amidst ongoing criticism from the aviation sector about the financial strain caused by numerous levies and taxes. The new charges are expected to be implemented soon, raising concerns about their potential impact on both airlines and passengers.
Peoplesmind
