Airlines in Nigeria contend with the most challenging environment, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The International Air Transport Association, IATA, has expressed concerns over the high operating costs faced by Nigerian airlines, with Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East Kamil Al-Awadhi stating that Nigeria is one of the most difficult places to establish and sustain an airline business, aside from Afghanistan.

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Al-Awadhi attributed the difficulties in Afghanistan to its security and political situation, while in Nigeria, the costs associated with airline operations are enormous, making it a challenging environment for airlines to operate.

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He criticized the slow implementation of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, directive on a 25 per cent reduction in regional air transport charges, which aims to lower air fares across the sub-region.

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Al-Awadhi made these comments while addressing newsmen at the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he noted that despite efforts by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, to improve the operating environment, conditions remain challenging for indigenous carriers.

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According to Al-Awadhi, Nigeria and Afghanistan are the toughest places to open an airline today, with Afghanistan being a disaster and Nigeria being unbelievably expensive to operate.

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He praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for his efforts to reduce costs and improve the situation, stating that in less than two years, he has done a lot for Nigerian aviation.

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Al-Awadhi noted that while Nigerian carriers face significant challenges, foreign operators are only subjected to some of these requirements per flight, making it easier for them to operate.

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Regarding the ECOWAS directive, Al-Awadhi said that only one country has adopted the 25 per cent reduction in taxes, fees, and levies, which is a shame, and he plans to discuss the implementation of this directive with other countries.

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He emphasized that the prices should drop once the ECOWAS consideration is applied, and he praises the country that has already adopted the directive, although he did not mention its name.