IATA: Nigeria Among Costliest Global Markets for Airline Operations

Nigeria ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world for airline operations, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which warned that persistently high costs are undermining the viability of local carriers and hindering sector growth.

Speaking at IATA’s Annual General Meeting in Brazil, Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, acknowledged ongoing reform efforts by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. However, he noted that airlines in the country continue to face severe cost pressures.

Al-Awadhi stated that the high-cost environment makes it difficult for Nigerian airlines to remain competitive and profitable, limiting the sector’s potential. Excessive taxes, charges, and other operational expenses remain significant burdens, with Nigeria cited as one of the most challenging markets from a cost perspective.

To address these challenges, Al-Awadhi urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement a proposed 25 percent reduction in aviation taxes and charges. He argued that such a move would lower air travel costs, stimulate passenger demand, and enhance the competitiveness of West African airlines.

Industry stakeholders have long maintained that reducing regulatory charges is essential to making air travel more affordable and improving regional connectivity. IATA’s call adds to mounting pressure on West African governments to foster a more supportive environment for aviation, a sector widely recognized as a critical driver of trade, tourism, and economic development.