The Airline Operators of Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to scrap the current 5% ticket, charter and cargo sales charge.

The association wants it replaced with a flat structure similar to the passenger service charge used by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

The position was presented at a public hearing on the proposed revision of the statutory sharing formula for the charge.

Representing the operators, former NAMA Managing Director Capt. Roland Iyayi argued that the percentage-based system has become a burden on domestic airlines and is unfair.

Iyayi explained that a flat charge would create a more level playing field for operators regardless of route or ticket pricing. He linked the difficulties to the sharp rise in fuel prices, noting that domestic carriers have struggled to remit the levy since March and have largely shifted towards charter flights to survive.

The association also raised concerns about how revenue collected by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is being used. It claimed that the absence of proper low-level navigation charts has limited the use of airspace and reduced the daily operating hours of aircraft.

Beyond scrapping the percentage charge, the AON recommended creating a dedicated Aviation Development Fund. It urged lawmakers to take a holistic approach to industry funding so that resources can better support safe and efficient operations.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper