Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: airfares

  • Aviation Regulator Pushes Back as Airlines Blame Taxes for Rising Airfares

    Aviation Regulator Pushes Back as Airlines Blame Taxes for Rising Airfares

    2025-12-30 09:30:00

    Reporting by Punch indicates the NCAA challenged claims that multiple taxes are the main driver of high airfares, as public debate grew around new tax laws and ticket pricing.

    The row followed warnings by Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema that aviation costs could worsen and fares could rise sharply if tax burdens persist.

    Regulators and tax-reform officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify and reduce certain burdens, while operators insist the broader levy-and-charge ecosystem remains heavy.

    Vanguard quoted Onyema saying, “The Nigerian airlines are heavily overburdened by taxes, levies and all manner of charges.” P.M. News quoted Taiwo Oyedele saying, “Eliminating this burden is a major structural relief for the sector,” as he explained tax changes affecting aviation.

    Echotitbits take: This will turn into a data contest—operators will cite cashflow strain, regulators will cite reform details. Watch for NCAA’s consumer-protection actions and a clear aviation-specific implementation note on VAT/WHT and leasing-related taxes.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/airfares-hike-ncaa-tackles-air-peace-boss-rejects-tax-claim/)

    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Figures cited by Punch show Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema says the airline recorded 49 bird strikes in 2025, describing the incidents as a costly operational hazard that can ground aircraft and disrupt schedules.

    In related appearances, Onyema also complained about what he sees as disproportionate pressure on local carriers, citing taxes, compliance costs and agency actions as compounding the burden.

    ARISE News reported the comments, stressing that bird strikes can trigger maintenance downtime and cascading delays, especially when spare parts and replacement aircraft are limited.

    The disagreement adds to public debate over airfares, consumer protection scrutiny and the balance between safety enforcement and airline viability.

    ARISE quoted Onyema: “Air Peace has had 49 bird strikes…,” while Punch reported he said the strikes caused “serious operational setbacks.”

    Echotitbits take: Bird strikes are real, but passengers will ask what mitigation looks like—airport wildlife control, runway management and transparent incident reporting. Watch for FAAN/NCAA data disclosures and joint industry safety steps.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/air-peace-recorded-49-bird-strikes-in-2025-allen-onyema/#google_vignette – December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Reps Demand Lower Airfares Ahead of Christmas Travel Rush

    Reps Demand Lower Airfares Ahead of Christmas Travel Rush

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The House of Representatives has urged domestic airlines and aviation regulators to reduce airfares ahead of the Yuletide season, warning that current prices are pushing many Nigerians off air travel. Lawmakers argued that high ticket costs, often justified by foreign‑exchange volatility and fuel prices, are undermining mobility and hurting economic activities.

    The House called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies to engage airlines on price moderation and transparency, while exploring incentives that could lower operating costs. The intervention comes as millions prepare for festive travel, with concerns over safety, congestion and affordability.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11