Regulator's probe into claims of airline price gouging remains inconclusive, says aviation authority

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revealed on Wednesday that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has not yet submitted its findings on the contentious issue of air fare increases during the Yuletide season.

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According to Mr Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the reasons cited by some airline operators, including multiple taxation, for the fare hike are unconvincing, a stance he has maintained since the controversy began.

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This development comes less than a month after the FCCPC announced that airlines found guilty of arbitrarily increasing airfares during the Christmas period would face penalties, following the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations of inflated ticket prices.

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Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, had previously stated that airlines that exploited travelers during Christmas would be required to refund the excess charges to passengers.

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Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Achimugu stated that the FCCPC had not submitted any reports to his office, and therefore, he was unaware of their findings, reiterating his disagreement with the reasons provided by some operators for the fare increase.

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Achimugu noted that, in comparison to the last quarter of last year, there has been a reduction in flight disruptions, but cautioned that the onset of the rainy season is likely to cause disruptions.

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He observed that the number of disruptions had decreased, particularly after the festive period when passenger numbers dropped, and expressed optimism that the upcoming year would see improvements in flight disruptions due to the acquisition of new aircraft.

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Achimugu cited the recent Aircraft Acquisition Summit hosted by the Minister, which yielded encouraging results, and revealed that deals for new aircraft have already been signed, paving the way for a better year for aviation in Nigeria in 2026.