The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies NANTA has urged the Senate to sustain its probe into soaring domestic airfares. The association believes stronger transparency in fare construction will protect Nigerian travellers. According to NANTA, rising ticket prices now threaten accessibility and public confidence in domestic aviation.
Speaking in Lagos, NANTA President Yinka Folami acknowledged the difficult operating environment facing local airlines. He noted challenges including foreign exchange pressures, aircraft leasing costs, and high maintenance expenses. However, he stressed that passengers should not unfairly bear the burden of industry inefficiencies. Aviation, he explained, remains vital for connectivity, economic growth, and national competitiveness.
Domestic airfares have recently reached unprecedented levels, particularly during the Yuletide travel season. Some passengers reportedly paid up to four hundred thousand naira for local flights. Disturbed by this trend, the Senate Committee on Aviation invited the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for clarification. Although no date was fixed, legislative attention on the issue continues.
Meanwhile, airline operators often blame multiple government taxes for high ticket prices. Folami challenged claims that over eighteen taxes apply to domestic tickets. Drawing from decades of professional experience, NANTA argued that airfare construction follows standard global principles. These include mileage-based pricing, government sales tax, airport charges, security fees, and airline base fares.
However, NANTA expressed concern that YQ and YR charges now dominate ticket prices. These charges reportedly account for nearly sixty percent of fares. Consequently, the association questioned their justification and consistency. NANTA called for a full breakdown of these charges to ensure fairness. It also requested participation in National Assembly hearings to provide expert guidance.
