Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has identified the shortage of aircraft as the key factor behind the frequent flight cancellations and soaring ticket prices in the country. Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Keyamo addressed the concerns of both local and international travelers, highlighting issues such as sudden flight delays and the lack of timely communication from airlines. He assured the public that the government is taking active steps to resolve these challenges.
Keyamo revealed that Nigerian airlines face significant financial burdens due to the high costs of leasing planes. Many airlines rely on wet leases, which require upfront payments rather than installments, making it difficult for operators to maintain their fleets. Foreign aircraft suppliers are reluctant to engage with Nigerian companies, fearing they will not be able to recover their planes if payments fall through.
To improve the situation, the federal government has signed the Cape Town Convention (CTC), an international agreement that provides legal protection for aircraft leasing companies. This move gives foreign suppliers confidence that their planes can be safely reclaimed in case of financial disputes. As a result, Nigeria’s aviation safety rating has improved from 49% to 70.5%.
The government also recently signed a practice direction under the CTC to enable Nigerian airlines to access more affordable dry leases. This allows operators to lease planes without crew, reducing costs and boosting fleet availability. Keyamo expressed optimism that as more planes become available, flight cancellations will decrease, and ticket prices will become more affordable for passengers.
With these measures, Nigeria’s aviation sector is expected to see improvements in both service reliability and pricing, offering relief to travelers who have long been burdened by delays and high fares.
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