Operators behind airfare hike, FCCPC insists

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said preliminary investigation indicated that airline operators under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had at one of its meetings discussed a hike in ticket prices.

Vice president of AON and Chairman of Air Peace Allen Onyema had dismissed claims that the operators met to raise price as Nigerians said the increase was coordinated.

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But in a statement yesterday, Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC Babatunde Irukera said its investigation proved otherwise.

“Some subjects of the discussions included foreign exchange, cost of ground handling services, rising cost of jet fuel and airfares.

“The commission’s preliminary investigation disclosed the meeting dates of AON to have been on or about February 8, February 17 and February 23, 2022 confirms that one of the items of discussion during at least one of those meetings was to set base or minimum airfares,” Irukera said.

The airlines had recently raised their Minimum Resale Price (MRSP) at N50,000 with Air Peace, Azman Air and United Nigeria Airlines immediately proceeding with the increase.

“Although the investigation is at early stages, there is sufficient probable cause to proceed and also provide interim measures to restore a free and undistorted domestic aviation market,” Irukera said.