Lawmakers seek 50% cut in airport charges to slash fares

House of Representatives members yesterday foreclosed approving any form of government subsidy for airline operators as a way of reducing airfare during the Yuletide.

But the Green Legislative Chamber urged the Federal Government to cut by 50 per cent the various airport fees, which the operators say account for rising airfare and upward push on operational costs.

In a resolution following a Motion by Obinna Aguocha (LP, Abia), on the exorbitant rise of airline ticket and the consequential impact on security of lives, the lawmakers sought for the establishment of a transparent assessment mechanism to create a system to determine the true minimum necessary operational costs for airlines throughout the yuletide season.

Leading the debate on the Motion, Aguocha drew his colleagues’ attention to the exorbitant rising cost of Airline ticket in the country which he claimed currently affects millions of Nigeria families.

Describing the Christmas season as traditionally a time for reunion, reflection and joy, the lawmaker noted that the rooftop fares under the weight of economic challenges, have made travel increasingly prohibitive.

Aguocha expressed concern that “the soaring costs of domestic air travel have created a barrier preventing many from returning to their ancestral homes, where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive and improve self-worth”.

He argued: “With the myriad of challenges faced by airline operators, ranging from high JetAl fuel prices to excessive currency fluctuations, I implore this Honourable House to consider the broader implications of their pricing strategies”.

The lawmaker said the insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians, adding that by temporarily reducing fares during this critical period.

Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) said it was out of place to ask the government to subsidise airfare and coat of operations for airlines, insisting that saying airline operations was a business venture.

The Edo lawmaker, who said about 90 per cent of Nigerians cannot afford to use the services provided by the airlines, but rely on road and rail infrastructure, added that “rather than subsidise air fare, it will be more ideal to ask government to subsidise road transport for Nigerians.”

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on Wednesday said competition is what can drive down airfares.

According to him, the aviation industry is fully deregulated.

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