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Tag: Airline Operators

  • Airline operators takes action against on Ibom Air unruly passenger

    Airline operators takes action against on Ibom Air unruly passenger

    The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has slammed a life ban on Comfort Emmanson from flying any of its member airlines both domestically and internationally.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that this follows Comfort’s assault on Ibom Air crew members during a flight from Uyo to Lagos State.

    Reacting to the incident in a statement on Monday, AON’s spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said that all its members have resolved that the lady would no longer fly with any of the airlines and that this decision is indefinite.

    AON said with the recent incident involving Nigerian musician, Wasiu Ayinde on Valuelet, and the unruly behaviour of Senator Adams Oshiomhole towards the members of staff of Air Peace, such incidents had become too many and could no longer be tolerated.

    AON said: “We condemn the violent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

    “We reviewed the detailed statement issued by Ibom Air regarding the incident, and we commend the airline for its swift and professional handling of this unfortunate event and fully endorse the actions taken.

    “The incident, which Ibom Air described, from the initial refusal by the passenger to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage, which led to the brutal physical assault on Ibom Air crew members and the attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon, constitutes one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behavior witnessed this year. This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk. This behaviour is unacceptable.

    “Therefore, effective immediately, the AON has placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely. She is hereby banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life. Such incidents have become one too many with the most recent being the incident involving Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on VajueJet and the unruly behaviour of Senator Adams Oshiomhole towards the members of staff of Air Peace.”

    It expressed concern about security at the airports and called on the Federal Airport Authority to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country.

    According to AON, going forward, any passenger who exhibits unruly behaviour will suffer similar consequences.

    “While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, equipment, and to maintain the highest safety standards,” AON said.

  • NCAA urges airline operators to comply with insurance regulations

    NCAA urges airline operators to comply with insurance regulations

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged airlines and other service providers in the subsector to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2022 on insurance cover.

    NCAA Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, in statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja, said that the directive was contained in an all operators letter, referenced NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/369 of Aug. 11, 2023.

    Nuhu said the letter, personally signed by him, was addressed to all airlines and allied aviation service providers.

    According to him, the need for compliance is sequel to the coming into force of Nig. CARs 2022 on 10th July, 2023 which makes it mandatory for all airlines to comply with Part 18.14.1.1 of the regulations.

    “Specifically, Part 18.14.1.1 of the regulations provides, amongst others, that all airlines and other allied aviation service providers must not operate without adequate and valid insurance cover; submitting to the authority copies of valid insurance certificate.

    “They must also provide evidence of payment of premium and other policy documents of insurance cover of not less than three months as specified in IS: 18.14.1.1.

    “Having insurance document which must be adequate and renewed before the expiration of the current policy and be submitted to the NCAA as soon as it is renewed,“ Nuhu stated in the statement.

    He said non-adherence to the regulation would attract immediate sanctions, including the grounding of the specific aircraft, and taking enforcement action against any airline or service provider that defaulted.

     

  • Senate laments incessant increase of airfares by airline operators

    Senate laments incessant increase of airfares by airline operators

    The Nigerian Senate has condemned the incessant increase of airfares by airline operators in the country.

    Speaking this during the 2nd edition of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) national conference, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Biodun Olujimi, described the incessant increase of airfares by the operators as worrisome.

    Olujimi, who said this acts as an impediment to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector, also lamented the poor implementation of aviation policies in the country.

    Speaking on the economic and international benefits of the aviation sector, Olujimi urged the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, halt further encroachment of airport facilities, which according to her, was having a negative toll on the growth of the sector.

    On the recent crisis between the federal government and the aviation workers, she said that it was unnecessary and called on aggrieved parties to resolve their differences behind closed-doors.

    According to her, “Picketing is what I find very unnerving in all of this, because there should be a way whereby the workers’ associations and the federal government can settle all their grievances without bringing it to the fore.

    “And most of the issues that were put on the front burner were already settled and sealed by the various agencies. There was no reason to stop the aviation industry to put them in a very bad stand with their counterparts abroad by ensuring that people did the work of flight didn’t take off. I think the time is right for the NLC and the workers unions to know that there are certain industries where picketing cannot be allowed and aviation is one.

    “The aviation industry, as you know, comprises various activities that are strategic, not only for its potential for economic growth but also its crucial role in international development and integration. The most important contribution aviation makes to the economy is through its impact on the performance of all our industries of our civilization.”

    Also speaking, the managing director, FAAN, Rabiu Yadudu, said the conference was aimed at furthering partnership and sustainability, as part of efforts to mitigate challenges hampering the aviation sector.

    He said: “This conference would continue to serve as an open market, or meeting point for the private sector to tap into a world of opportunities to invest and generate incredible returns on their investments. We are happy that some state governments and private investors, who participated at the maiden edition of this conference are already taking good advantage of the business opportunities available in the industry, and are already positioning their States and organizations strategically for greater productivity and profitability.”

    Also speaking, the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said that under the Buhari-led administration, the ministry has achieved remarkable growth in the aviation roadmap.

  • Airlines cautioned as NiMet predicts days of thick dust haze

    Airlines cautioned as NiMet predicts days of thick dust haze

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and sunshine from Thursday to Saturday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja predicted thick dust haze on Thursday over the Northern region throughout the forecast period.

    According to the agency, cloudy conditions with sunny intervals are expected over the North Central region.

    It, however, forecasts moderate dust haze over Plateau, Niger and Federal Capital Territory throughout the forecast period.

    NiMet anticipated partly cloudy conditions over the Inland cities of the South and coastal cities in the morning hours.

    It envisaged prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States later in the day.

    “On Friday, moderate dust haze condition with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the Northern region during the forecast period.

    “Cloudy conditions with sunny intervals are expected over the North Central region however, there are prospects of moderate dust haze over Plateau, Niger and Federal Capital Territory throughout the forecast period.

    “Partly cloudy conditions are anticipated over the inland cities of the South and coastal areas during the morning hours.

    “Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa and Delta States in the afternoon/evening hours,” it said.

    The agency predicted slight dust haze conditions on Saturday over the northern region during the forecast period.

    It forecast partly cloudy conditions with sunny intervals over the North Central cities during the forecast period.

    “Partly cloudy conditions are anticipated over the inland cities of the South and coastal cities with chances of morning thunderstorms over Cross River and River States.

    “In the afternoon/evening period, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Imo, Abia, Ondo, Edo, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States,” it said.

    According to NiMet, all Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

    NiMet urged citizens to switch off and disconnect electronics from power supply to avoid damages that could occur as a result of lightning flash at places where thunderstorms were expected.

  • Airline operators urge FAAN to increase check-in counters

    Airline operators urge FAAN to increase check-in counters

    The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to increase the number of check-in counters to reduce flight delays experienced by passengers at the airports.

    The Vice President of the association, Chief Allen Onyema made this known at a book launch: ‘Air Transportation In Nigeria: The Lingering Expectations,’ in Lagos on Friday.

    Newsmen reports that the two veteran aviation journalists, Olusegun Koiki and Chinedu Eze are the two authors of the book on air transportation in Nigeria.

    Onyema, who is also the Air Peace Chairman, said airlines were experiencing inadequate counters to check-in thousands of passengers especially during the yuletide period where there would be increase in passengers traffic.

    The vice president decried that ten airlines were cramped into one small space to execute their flights service to different parts of the country.

    He said: “Flight delays and probably cancellations may be a topic for discussion this yuletide if nothing is done about the current inadequate counters for domestic airlines to check-in passengers especially at the Abuja Airport.

    “Most airlines have brought in new aircraft from two to ten to augment their operations during the yuletide but the challenge is beyond fleet size.

    “This is especially if facilitation is slowed as a result of lack of capacity of the airport to handle flights from Abuja to destinations like Port Harcourt, Lagos, Kano, Uyo, Asaba etc, all at once.

    “Even in international operations, domestic airlines are left with three counters to operate.
    “However, an expanse of space is given to foreign airlines which is a disservice to Nigerians who are trying to get it right under harsh environment.”

    Onyema noted that the issue of delays were not solely airlines’ responsibilities as those supposed to provide infrastructure and support the airlines were not given Nigerian airlines adequate infrastructure to support their business.

    The vice president said he had written to FAAN, the Ministry of Aviation on the issue of the Abuja check-in counters, saying that it was not encouraging for nine or ten airlines to be assigned in one small space.
    He said: “However, a few days ago, the Managing Director of FAAN spoke to me on phone and assured me they are going to do something about it.

    “What we are asking for is expansion. The old international terminal (Abuja) is lying fallow, if some of us (airlines) should go there, we will have enough counters for check in.

    “Not when they give you two counters and you are checking in thousands of people, delays will surely come and I tell the flying public to stop blaming the airlines for delays.”

    Newsmen recalls that there are plans to reserve the old international Airport terminal in Abuja for the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air, currently mired in controversy and awaiting its day in court.

    However, domestic airlines already operating are still finding it difficult to handle their growing passengers in the constricted space allocated to them.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Koiki, who is the Chairman of Association of League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) said the book focused on several burning issues and topics in the sector.

    He said the book also x-rayed the aviation industry, its history, milestones and critically reviewed policies, regulations and actions taken by government and its agencies in the sector over the years.

    Newsmen reports that Onyema, who is the Chairman of the occasion while unveiling the book donated the sum of N10 million.

  • We are in a major crisis – Airline operators lament

    We are in a major crisis – Airline operators lament

    The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has said the aviation sector of the Nigerian economy has been hit by a major crisis with the acute scarcity of aviation fuel otherwise known as Jet-A1.

    The airline operators disclosed that for this reason, there will be major disruptions in scheduled flight operations including cancellations and unnecessary delays across all airports in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, AON’s Spokesman, who made this known in a statement on Friday, also disclosed that this was a foreseen but unintended consequence of the aviation fuel scarcity in the country.

    While pleading for the understanding of the travelling public, Okonkwo said efforts were being made to address the development and restore normal flight operations.

    The statement reads: “This is to notify the members of the public especially, consumers of air transport services in the country, that the aviation sector has been hit by a major crisis with the acute scarcity of aviation fuel otherwise known as Jet-A1.

    “For this reason, there will be major disruptions in scheduled flight operations including cancellations and unnecessary delays across all airports in the country.

    “This is a foreseen but unintended consequence of the aviation fuel scarcity in the country.

    “We, therefore, plead for the understanding of the travelling public to bear with our members as efforts are currently being made to address the development and restore normal flight operations.

    “AON is committed to rendering seamless and uninterrupted air transport service across the country”.

  • NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorm across Nigeria

    NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorm across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of sunshine and thunderstorm across the country.

    NiMet`s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted northern region of the country to be cloudy with intervals of sunshine as well as chances of thunderstorm over parts of Adamawa and Taraba during the morning hours.

    Few thunderstorms are also expected over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna State within the forecast period while progressing into the day.

    NiMet forecast cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine over the central region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Nasarawa and Kogi.

    The agency envisaged chances of thunderstorms over parts of Kogi, Plateau and Nasarawa later in the day.

    It predicted cloudy atmosphere over Inland and Coastal cities of South with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ekiti, Imo, Edo, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Ondo, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Lagos State during morning hours.

    NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Ondo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers during the afternoon and evening period.

    Cloudy atmosphere are envisaged on Tuesday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region throughout the forecast period.

    NiMET also forecast North central region to be in cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals in the morning hours.

    “Progressing into the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the Inland and coastal cities of the South in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross river and Rivers during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Lagos state,“ the statement read in part.

    The agency predicted cloudy atmosphere on Wednesday with intervals of sunshine over the Northern region in the morning hours.

    NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa and Taraba in the afternoon and evening hours later in the day.

    It further forecast the North central region to be in cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals during the morning hours with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Nasarawa, Plateau and Federal Capital Territory during the afternoon and evening hours.

    Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the Inland and the coastal cities of the South with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River during the morning hours.

    “Progressing into the day, thunderstorms are envisaged over most parts of the region. For areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong and squally winds are likely. People should avoid parking and staying under tall trees.

    “To reduce incidences of erosion and overflow of water beyond its normal limit, gutters and water ways should be cleared of debris and obstacles to ensure free flow of water.

    “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” NiMET said.

  • Airline Operators suspend planned services withdrawal

    Airline Operators suspend planned services withdrawal

    Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called off its planned withdrawal of services over astronomical rise in aviation fuel.

    This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the operators and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

    The airlines said they would start fresh round of dialogue with government with the hope of reaching an amicable and lasting solution.

    The statement read, “Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JET A1.

    “That the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

    “We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.

    “In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”

    The statement was signed by six members of the AON, including Alhaji Shehu Wada, Executive Director, Max Air; Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, and Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, CEO, Arik Air.

    Other signatories are Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, CEO, Aero Contractors; Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf, MD, Azman Air and Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace.

  • Airline operators are bluffing, there’ll be domestic flights on Monday – FCCPC

    Airline operators are bluffing, there’ll be domestic flights on Monday – FCCPC

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has described as bluff plans by airline operators to suspend domestic flights, expressing optimism that airline operators cannot suspend domestic flight operations on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports FCCPC as saying airline operators will not deliberately sell tickets for flights they do not intend to operate, and as such a solution short of a shutdown will emerge accordingly.

    According to the Commission, rising consumer feedback has it that airlines have continued to sell tickets beyond the date announced for the proposed service shutdown.

    In a statement by Babatunde Irukera, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, the Commission stressed that since airlines have decided and are resolute to suspend domestic flights, it will be egregious exploitation of consumers and a violation of law to purport to sell a service that the service provider knows, it will not, or does not intend to provide or deliver.

    Recall that domestic airline operators under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had announced plans to shut down operations from Monday, due to the skyrocketing cost of aviation fuel, which has reached an all-time high of N700 per litre.

    The Airline Operators stated this in a letter its President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, sent to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

    However, in the statement by FCCPC, the airline operators have continued to sell flight tickets beyond the date proposed for the suspension of flights, which the Commission has described as egregious exploitation of consumers.

    The statement, meanwhile, added that the Commission has been in discussion with the leadership of major fuel marketers to understand the global supply challenges and possible steps to ameliorate same.

    The statement reads: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has become aware of a public service announcement by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) regarding the impracticality of continuing operations beyond Monday, May 9th, 2022 under the prevailing circumstances of high and rising cost of jet fuel.

    “The Commission encourages and implores domestic airlines to consider the effect of the proposed shutdown on passengers and the magnitude of difficulties and hardship associated with such an action.

    “The Commission does not trivialise the disruption and potential challenge to business continuity and survivability an inordinately high cost of jet fuel presents to domestic aviation, especially coupled with other rising cost of operations and foreign exchange.

    “Indeed, the Commission has been in discussion with the leadership of major fuel marketers to understand the global supply challenges and possible steps to ameliorate same. Accordingly, the Commission strongly advocates engagement among all stakeholders across the value chain to mitigate the current constraints and develop an acceptable interim arrangement to address problems and costs associated with global supply constraints on account of a war, sanctions associated with the war, and a fragile ongoing post pandemic recovery in aviation.

    ALSO READ || See why domestic airlines will halt operations from Monday

    “The Commission is however concerned with rising consumer feedback that airlines have continued to sell tickets beyond the date announced for the proposed service shutdown. To the extent that this is accurate, and the airlines have decided and are resolute, it will be egregious exploitation of consumers and a violation of law to purport to sell a service that the service provider knows, it will not, or does not intend to provide or deliver. It is misleading and deceptive under 5.123 of the FCCPA to represent a service will be delivered on a certain date when the provider knows the same is false or improbable.

    “The Commission is optimistic that airline operators will not deliberately sell tickets for flights they do not intend to operate, and is as such hopeful that a solution short of a shutdown will emerge accordingly. The Commission continues to monitor this sensitive and evolving situation and remains committed to supporting engagements to provide solutions and stability”.

  • Aviation fuel: ‘We have 3 more days to fly’ – Airline operators

    Aviation fuel: ‘We have 3 more days to fly’ – Airline operators

    Airline Operators in the country on Monday said they had only three more days to fly due to the high cost of aviation fuel.

    Mr Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, who spoke on behalf of the operators, said this during a public hearing by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the scarcity of aviation fuel in Abuja.

    Onyema accused aviation fuel marketers of not speaking the truth about the actual landing cost of aviation fuel, adding that if drastic measures were not taken, the least air ticket would go for as high as N120, 000.

    “If we continue this way, the least ticket you will have is about N120,000. And the marketers have refused to tell us how much is the unit cost of their acquisition.”

    He urged the House of Reps to give operators of airlines the license to import aviation fuel, saying this would reduce unnecessary burden on the citizenry.

    “What we are asking from the government is to give us the right to import aviation fuel. What others use in insuring one plane is what we use in insuring three planes in Nigeria, so the Nigeria airline is dead on arrival,” he said.

    Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, said that the committee was only after fact, as it was poised to protect the interest of Nigerians.

    “We are not willing to compromise what is in the interest of our country,” he said

    He, however, chided the marketers for speaking the language they did not understand in order to cover up some facts.

    According to him, the marketers’ analysis are not correct based on the fact at the committee’s disposal.

    He also querried why some government agencies would not be telling the truth about the scarcity and the high cost of aviation fuel, saying “we should be seen to protect the interest of Nigeria and not otherwise.”.

    He said that the committee would ensure that the right thing was done in the interest of the country, adding that the basic tenet of governance remained the welfare of the people.

    Rep. Toby Okechukwu, the Minority leader of the House, however, raised questions on what determined the marketers prices and why were they hoarding the product.

    Okechukwu said that such actions by marketers were bringing a lot of dysfunction to the country’s economy.

    “If we are saying that the landing cost of aviation fuel is N450 from Central Bank of Nigeria who approved it,” he said.

    He also accued the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd. for not knowing those managing the products.

    Meanwhile, Mr Ugbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director for Distribution System for Storage and Retailing Infrastructure in the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, said that Nigeria had excess supply of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK).

    He said the country had sufficient products that could go round, adding that the scarcity and the high cost remained the marketers challenge.

    The Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, said that it would consider granting licenses to operators of airline to import aviation fuel.

    Kyari also agreed that aviation fuel would now be sold at N500 per litre contrary to the current N670 per litre.