The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the reopening of low-inventory tickets by foreign airlines, offering Nigerians access to more affordable flights. Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the authority, made this disclosure in a recent post on X.
Achimugu stated that this development followed extensive discussions between the NCAA and various aviation stakeholders, including international airlines. Notably, in August 2022, British Airways (BA) had closed its inventory in Nigeria within the global distribution system (GDS) amidst controversies surrounding trapped funds for foreign airlines. This closure had resulted in local travel agencies being unable to issue tickets at competitive rates to travelers.
However, with ongoing efforts to address these issues, significant progress has been made. On January 30, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the successful completion of payments for all verified foreign exchange (FX) claims by airlines, releasing an additional $64.44 million to the concerned foreign aviation firms.
Achimugu emphasized that the reopening of inventories by foreign airlines marks a significant step forward, enabling Nigerians to access lower ticket prices. This move reflects the commitment of both the government and aviation stakeholders to enhance accessibility and affordability within the air travel sector.
The announcement is expected to positively impact travelers by providing them with more options and competitive fares. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing challenges within the aviation industry and promoting a conducive environment for both domestic and international travelers.