AON DEMANDS REVIEW OF 54 AVIATION CHARGES, BETTER AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, has called for a review of the 54 charges imposed on Nigerian airlines, saying the costs are affecting the profitability and competitiveness of local carriers.
AON Vice Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, made the call in Lagos at the 30th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC.
Onyema said Nigerian airlines face some of the highest aviation charges globally and urged the government to address the situation. He also called for the implementation of the ECOWAS agreement for a 25 per cent reduction in taxes across West Africa.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the removal of the four per cent FOB customs duty on airlines, describing the decision as evidence that direct engagement between government and operators can produce positive reforms.
The AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, also raised concerns over bird strikes and inadequate airport infrastructure. He said his E-190 aircraft was grounded for 13 days following a bird strike.
Okonkwo further expressed concern about airport congestion, citing an incident in which a United Nigeria aircraft was reportedly kept on the tarmac for about 30 minutes because of limited ramp space.
He urged the government to improve airport infrastructure as more airlines receive operating approvals. He also called for better protection of airline workers during flight disruptions and specialised training for government officials responsible for aviation communication.