NCAA to set up committee to address hike in airfares

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is looking into the incessant hike in the cost of airfares especially on international travel.

Chris Najomo, acting director-general of NCAA, made this known in a statement on Monday via its official X handle.

Najomo said the NCAA is engaging stakeholders, including airlines and agencies to ensure prices are reduced.

He said a committee has been set up to address the issue.

“It has come to the notice of this authority about the increase and high cost of airfare, especially on international travels,” Najomo said.

“And the NCAA in the view of trying to make sure that these airfares are brought down, have decided to set up a high-powered committee, which will look at all the variances and how we can bring these fares down.

“We’ve met with the airlines and other stakeholders and other agencies. We will make sure that this is done.”

The authority’s statement is coming amid efforts by the government to settle repatriation owed to foreign airlines.

On January 30, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it concluded the payment of all verified foreign exchange (FX) claims by airlines with an additional $64.44 million to the concerned foreign aviation firms.