Taking Flight: Nigeria’s Ambitious Domestic Airlines Set to Soar on International Routes

..as stakeholders worry about passengers right abuses, delays, cancellations

Some Nigeria domestic airlines recently designated on international routes have started operations while others are putting finishing touches to commence operations.

The operators have assured they have the wherewithal with the Federal Government backing to successfully operate on the designated routes.

Nosa Aituamen takes a look at the strength of the airlines and areas stakeholders want the operators to address to truly be successful.

In September this year, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, announced the designation of some Nigeria airlines for international routes, including London, America, Turkey and Netherlands.

Others are Italy, Dubai, and Ireland. These routes, which had existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with Nigeria, had remained unused for years.

Historically, Nigeria Airways Limited operated most of these routes, but some domestic airlines designated for these routes struggled to survive due to aeropolitical issues, inadequate planning, and capacity limitations. 

To address this, operators have been pushing for reciprocity on these routes and have acquired new, modern, and larger airplanes to demonstrate their readiness.

Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Allen Onyema, has expressed their commitment to making these international operations a success. 

“Passengers must enjoy and they want easy of travel, the airlines will satisfy them, the airlines are the ones moving this country”.

Spokesman for AON, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, emphasized their ability to weather challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic as a testament to their determination.

“It is on record worldwide that we have recorded the fastest growing aviation industry in the whole world after COVID”.

Another operator, Mr. Roland Iyayi, highlighted areas where government support can contribute to the industry’s growth and resilience. 

“Enabling environment is provided, what we do not have in the industry which is also critical is credible data. When airlines come to establish without credible data, it becomes a major stumbling block because what you do basically without credible data is groping in the dark”.

Some stakeholders stress that addressing issues like flight delays, cancellations, and ensuring schedule reliability is essential for success.

Former spokesman for Nigeria Airways Limited, Mr. Chris Aligbe, and Sindy Foster of Avaero Capital Partners emphasized the importance of on-time departures and excellent service for passenger satisfaction.

According to Aligbe, “The level of passengers right abuses in this country is so high, that is why no foreign airlines would key into our domestic carriers until these areas are improved”.

“Airline business particularly, you cannot just do what you want, you really have to have focus on customers”, says Foster.

Director of Air Transport Regulations, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Olaniyi Saruku, mentioned the potential for government support through partnerships with foreign airlines via codeshare agreements.

“Early 1990, Bellview and Aero contractors airlines had a codeshare arrangements with Air France/KLM, they measured up with the minimum standards required and the Nigeria carriers were paid in dollars”.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, underlined the government’s readiness to support the operators if they meet expectations during a meeting with them.

“We will try our best to reverse this negative trends and negative perception”.

Nigerian domestic airlines designated for international routes have a strong foundation and government backing for success. 

However, they must address operational issues and prioritize passenger satisfaction for sustainable growth in the global aviation industry.