Airline Operators of Nigeria has asked the National Assembly to abolish the existing five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and replace it with a fixed passenger charge similar to the system used by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The association argued that a percentage levy on ticket revenue places an unfair burden on domestic carriers, especially when operating costs rise sharply.
Presenting the industry’s position at a House of Representatives public hearing, former Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Managing Director Roland Iyayi said a fixed charge would create greater certainty and reduce disputes over remittances.
He said domestic airlines had struggled to meet payment obligations following sharp increases in aviation fuel costs.
According to the association, fuel now consumes a substantial share of airline revenue, leaving operators with limited room to absorb additional statutory charges.
AON also raised concerns about the use of revenue collected from aviation operators and called for a wider review of industry funding.
The group said inadequate low level navigation infrastructure was restricting helicopter operations and limiting the productive use of aircraft.
It proposed the creation of a dedicated Aviation Development Fund into which sector specific revenues could be paid and redistributed according to agreed priorities.
The association said any reform of the ticket charge should be considered alongside the wider financial needs of aviation agencies and operators.
