By Chinelo Obogo
The Senate is proposing stricter rules for Nigerian airlines that would mandate carriers to have a minimum of four to five aircraft before commencing operations.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari, said this on Wednesday during the South-West Regional Air Transportation Summit organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, in Lagos.
He said that the bill would help to improve the capacity of Nigerian airlines and address the issues of flight delays and cancellations that have plagued the sector. The proposed regulations, he said, align with the policy of the NCAA, which requires airlines to have a minimum of six aircraft in their fleet by January 2025. However, the Senate’s bill goes a step further, demanding a higher number of aircraft for new entrants.
The NCAA’s existing policy also stipulates that at least four out of six aircraft must be airworthy at all times. This means that airlines will be required to suspend operations if their fleet falls below the minimum requirement.
Senator Buhari stressed the importance of passenger satisfaction in the aviation industry and criticised the practice of airlines overloading themselves with multiple routes that they cannot adequately serve, leading to frequent delays and cancellations.
“Nigerian airlines should operate within their capacity and prioritise the comfort and safety of their passengers. We need to implement stricter regulations to ensure that the sector meets international standards and competes effectively with foreign carriers.
“Nigerian airlines should be professional. Nigerians want to see confidence, they want comfort, and want to be assured of safety. If an airline has just two aircraft, it should operate within the confines of its capacity and not overburden itself with multiple routes that can’t be served.
“It is sad to experience delayed flights. We need to do the right thing for the sector to excel and compete favourably with our counterparts. We are working on a bill that will make it mandatory for prospective and existing airlines to have a minimum of four or five aircraft to start operations,” he said.
The NCAA, represented by its Director of Airspace and Aerodrome Standards, Godwin Balang, acknowledged the challenges facing the Nigerian economy but expressed optimism about overcoming them through innovative approaches. He emphasized the need for a sustainable regulatory framework that promotes operational excellence, enhanced productivity, and sector growth without compromising safety.
“A sustainable regulatory framework built on collective engagement and strategic collaboration is critical to achieving operational excellence, enhanced productivity, and sector growth without compromising safety standards.
“With the support of this minister, we at NCAA are committed to rebranding, reinventing, and rejuvenating the Nigerian aviation sector for international competitiveness, sustainable growth, and development,” he said.