African carriers’ low penetration creates space for foreign airlines’

African carriers’ low penetration creates space for foreign airlines’

Despite the presence of foreign airlines, the African market still offers substantial growth potential. This is particularly true for airlines looking to expand their reach and offer more options travelling to and from the continent, writes WOLE SHADARE Foreign airlines are increasingly viewing the African aviation market as a lucrative opportunity. While European and Middle Eastern carriers have a strong presence, airlines from around the globe are recognising the potential for growth in the region….

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Air Peace suspends flight services over NiMet workers’ strike, foreign airlines monitor situation

Air Peace suspends flight services over NiMet workers’ strike, foreign airlines monitor situation

Agency decries strike action by unions ValueJet reviews operations   The industrial action embarked upon by the workers of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) may have taken a huge toll on airlines as Air Peace has suspended all its flight operations nationwide with immediate effect. Foreign carriers are monitoring the situation keenly to determine the next line of action to take concerning the industrial crisis that may force them to suspend flight services. VlueJet on Wednesday…

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Nigerian routes: Potpourri for foreign airlines

Nigerian routes: Potpourri for foreign airlines

Nigeria has a very mobile population which is very good for air travel business. The Nigerian route is very enticing for foreign airlines that have used the destination as a fortress for their operation. WOLE SHADARE writes that airlines are maximizing the good yield the route offers to consolidate their operation Love for air travel  When it comes to air travel, Nigerians love to travel. Every Nigerian dream is to take a trip outside the shores of…

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On-board meals: Minister directs foreign airlines to patronise local catering for outbound flights

On-board meals: Minister directs foreign airlines to patronise local catering for outbound flights

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has directed foreign airlines to patronise local caterers for on-board meals. Keyamo gave the directive in a letter — signed by H.T. Ejibunu, director overseeing the office of the permanent secretary — to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). In the letter dated October 15, 2024, the ministry said the directive from Keyamo takes effect from January 1. “I am directed by the Minister of Aviation to…

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Foreign airlines returning to full capacity, fares may further tumble

Foreign airlines returning to full capacity, fares may further tumble

…Offer more seats, seek additional frequencies, expansion   The release of $850 million blocked fund by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to foreign airlines has begun to have a catalytic effect on the overall aviation travel chain as the sector is set to reap bountifully. Airlines have relaxed a lot of rules and regulations and are willing to launch back and begin to make money. Better things await the sector. The airlines see it…

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IATA lauds Nigeria for clearing foreign airlines’ over $700 million blocked funds

IATA lauds Nigeria for clearing foreign airlines’ over $700 million blocked funds

…$19 million due to CBN on-going verification-Walsh Wole Shadare, Dubai, UAE The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Nigeria has cleared 98 per cent of foreign airlines’ blocked funds, disclosing that the remaining two per cent of funds amounting to $19 million yet to be cleared is due to the Central Bank’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks. It noted that as of April 2024, 98% of these funds have…

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Foreign airlines shun codeshare deal with Nigerian carriers

Foreign airlines shun codeshare deal with Nigerian carriers

….Europe, US, Middle East scamper for strong African operators   African airlines are reaping the benefits of collaboration as they tend to leverage the wings of other carriers to extend their operations. A recent codeshare agreement between Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic is opening a vista of opportunities to both airlines just as Nigerian carriers are stuck in one place as they are yet to strike a codeshare deal with any of the big carriers…

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NANTA blasts foreign carriers, gives Feb 2 ultimatum for lower fare inventories

NANTA blasts foreign carriers, gives Feb 2 ultimatum for lower fare inventories

Threatens sustained media campaigns against operators   Following the release of all outstanding backlogs of $64.44 million in blocked airline funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) has said that foreign airlines have no further reason and justification to restrict inventory in the Nigerian market. The national president of NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye in a statement on Wednesday said the group viewed further restriction of lower…

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Foreign airlines at breaking point over $792million stuck funds, expansion threatened, may cease operations to Nigeria

Foreign airlines at breaking point over $792million stuck funds, expansion threatened, may cease operations to Nigeria

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Thursday said international airlines whose total funds of $792 million are stuck in Nigeria are getting to a breaking point where they find it extremely difficult to expand their operations both in Nigeria and elsewhere. The IATA’s Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi at a media presentation with African journalists at the IATA Global Media Day in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday called on the Federal Government…

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Shock as foreign airlines bring two-way meals to Nigeria

Shock as foreign airlines bring two-way meals to Nigeria

FG to review BASA with 90 countries-Minister   Not a few stakeholders expressed shock over the disclosure that some foreign airlines bring two-way meals into Nigeria. This disclosure was made by the Chairman, Board of Directors of Sky Chefs Things Remembered Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Adeola Omikunle during her presentation at the stakeholders at the weekend in Lagos and challenges faced by aviation catering companies in the country. Her disclosure left many stakeholders bewildered as to…

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