NCAA outlines blueprint for survival of Nigerian carriers on London Route
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared that the survival and long-term success of Nigerian airlines on the competitive London route is not only achievable but increasingly inevitable, provided the nation maintains a united and strategic approach to international aeropolitics. Speaking at the inaugural lecture organised by SAPTCO Communications Ltd in Lagos, the Director-General […]
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared that the survival and long-term success of Nigerian airlines on the competitive London route is not only achievable but increasingly inevitable, provided the nation maintains a united and strategic approach to international aeropolitics.
Speaking at the inaugural lecture organised by SAPTCO Communications Ltd in Lagos, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said Nigerian carriers—led by Air Peace’s recent bold entry into the London market—have demonstrated that local airlines are capable of competing on some of the world’s most challenging and politically sensitive international routes.
Represented by the Regional Manager, Lagos, Erelu Oluwabukola Teriba, the DGCA noted that the London route was a global battleground where only the strong, the prepared and the well-supported could thrive.
“The London route is a global battleground shaped by power, strategy, and national interest,” the DGCA said, adding, “For too long, foreign airlines have dominated a market built on Nigerian passengers. But that story is changing.”
According to the NCAA, Nigeria’s competitive edge will depend on six critical pillars: strong regulatory credibility, balanced bilateral agreements, improved operational efficiency, coordinated national support, solid airline business models, and public confidence.
The DGCA stressed that the NCAA is committed to maintaining an impressive ICAO safety and security rating, which strengthens the reputation and acceptance of Nigerian carriers globally.
He also emphasized the importance of negotiating fairer bilateral air service agreements, reducing operational bottlenecks, and ensuring that national institutions work in harmony to support Nigerian airlines.
“No airline or regulator can win this battle alone,” he noted. “It requires full coordination—government, diplomats, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders acting with unity of purpose,” he said.
The NCAA also called on Nigerians to support local airlines, noting that the country possesses the talent, market size, and aviation expertise to thrive on long-haul routes.
“With collective determination, there is no global route where Nigerian carriers cannot excel,” the DGCA said.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said Nigeria would continue to play international aviation politics otherwise known as aeropolitics to protect indigenous airlines operating on the international plain.
Keyamo who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, stated that the government had engaged countries around the world in order to maximise the existing BASA and ensured it was in favour of the nation’s airlines.
Former NCAA DG, Capt. Harold Demuren stressed the need for Nigeria to renegotiate its bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) which he insisted are one-sided.
He noted that the failure of Nigeria to fully reciprocate the BASA had led to imposition of discriminatory fares by foreign airlines especially on Lagos-Abuja-London route.
Demuren pointed out that return fares from the Lagos – London route could go as high as $5000, while it would be cheaper on the Accra – London route.
He said: “In BASA, both parties must benefit; it should not be one-sided. The Nigerian government needs to protect the local carriers. You can’t be wrong supporting your own.
“Any Nigerian airline on foreign routes must receive the support of the government. Those other countries too, support their own.”