IATA Urges Nigerian Authorities To Boost Frequency Permissions For Foreign Airlines

IATA Urges Nigerian Authorities To Boost Frequency Permissions For Foreign Airlines

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has attributed the increased interest of foreign airlines in expanding their operations in Nigeria to the recent clearing of blocked airline funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In communication with Vanguard, IATA also emphasized that the release of previously restricted inventories has further signaled airlines’ commitment to maintaining and expanding their presence in the Nigerian market.

Katherine Kaczynska, spokesperson for IATA, highlighted in her correspondence: “With the additional capacity airlines have deployed in Nigeria following the resolution of blocked funds, it’s evident they remain confident in the market. Airlines have reopened inventories previously restricted to Nigeria, with some returning to their pre-blockage frequencies and others announcing their return. Additionally, there are applications for increased flight frequencies into Nigeria.”

Kaczynska also noted that Nigerian travelers have benefited from reduced airfares due to these developments, adding, “They can expect more flight options and increased competition among operators, resulting in lower fares and improved services.”

Responding to queries about future safeguards against similar fund blockages, Kaczynska indicated, “No specific measures by the Nigerian government are currently known to us.”

As of June 2, IATA reported that the Nigerian government had successfully cleared 98% of the airlines’ blocked funds, leaving a balance of $19 million out of the initial $850 million. Consequently, RwandAir has resumed daily flights from Kigali to Lagos, maintaining four weekly flights to Abuja, while Kenya Airways has increased its weekly flights to Lagos from seven to ten.

In related developments, Delta Air Lines announced plans to operate seven weekly flights from New York to Lagos, significantly increasing its service to Nigeria for the winter 2024 season compared to previous operations between Atlanta and Lagos.