Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - The International Air Transport Association has identified Nigeria as one of the most expensive countries in the world to operate an airline, citing high operational costs that continue to challenge the viability and growth of local carriers.
Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting held in Brazil,
the organization's Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East,
Kamil Al-Awadhi, said that despite ongoing efforts by Nigeria's Minister of
Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to reform and improve the
aviation sector, airlines in the country still faced significant cost
pressures.
According to Al-Awadhi, the high-cost environment has made
it difficult for Nigerian airlines to remain competitive and profitable,
limiting the sector's ability to reach its full potential. He noted that
excessive taxes, charges, and other operational expenses continue to burden
carriers across the region, with Nigeria ranking among the most challenging
markets from a cost perspective.
To address the issue, Al-Awadhi urged member states of the
Economic Community of West African States to implement a proposed 25 per cent
reduction in aviation taxes and charges. He said the measure would help lower
the cost of air travel, stimulate passenger traffic, and improve the
competitiveness of airlines operating within West Africa.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that reducing taxes
and regulatory charges is essential to making air travel more affordable and
encouraging greater connectivity across the region. The call by IATA adds to
growing pressure on governments in West Africa to create a more enabling
environment for the aviation industry, which is widely regarded as a key driver
of trade, tourism, and economic development.
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