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Category: Aviation

  • Top 10 most-visited countries in the world

    Top 10 most-visited countries in the world

    Tourism significantly impacts the global economy, contributing billions of dollars and supporting millions of jobs.

    It boosts local economies by increasing demand for goods and services, creating employment and generating revenue for governments.

    Certain countries become popular tourist destinations because of unique attractions, cultural richness, good infrastructure and strategic location. These elements contribute to a compelling travel experience, attracting visitors from around the globe.

    The World Economic Outlook Report shows global tourism grew by 2.9% in 2024, which further proves that humans simply cannot be kept from exploring new places and food choices.

    Here is a list of the top 10 most-visited countries in the world:

    1. France (89.4 million visitors)

    Interesting places to visit in France include the iconic Eiffel Tower, which lights up with a dazzling display every hour after sunset; the Louvre Museum, which houses the mysterious Mona Lisa, and appears much smaller in person than most tourists expect; the French Riviera beckoning with glamorous beaches, and the Loire Valley charms visitors with more than 300 fairytale castles.

    The leading nation in tourism across the world continues its reign with nearly 90 million visitors annually. France offers an unbeatable mix of culture, cuisine and captivating landscapes that keep travellers coming back for more.

    2. Spain (83.7 million visitors)

    Interesting places to visit in Spain include the captivating Antoni Gaudí’s fantastic architecture in Barcelona, including the still-unfinished Sagrada Família basilica, scheduled for completion in 2026. There are also world-class museums in Madrid, like the Prado, home to masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez.

    Spain welcomed 83.7 million sun-seekers and culture enthusiasts last year, combining warm hospitality with diverse attractions.

    3. United States (79.3 million visitors)

    The United States welcomed 79.3 million international visitors with its incredible diversity of landscapes, cities and experiences.

    In Los Angeles, there is Hollywood glamour. In San Francisco, there are hilly streets and the Golden Gate Bridge. The towering skyline, world-class shopping and Broadway shows make New York City an attractive place to visit.

    4. China (65.7 million visitors)

    The world’s most populous country welcomed 65.7 million visitors in 2024, showing an impressive growth of 4.5% from the previous year.

    China combines ancient wonders with futuristic cities. The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China, with restored sections near Beijing providing the most accessible visiting experience. The Forbidden City, home to 24 Chinese emperors, contains 9,999 rooms filled with treasures.

    5. Italy (64.5 million visitors)

    Italy welcomed 64.5 million visitors drawn to its perfect combination of art, history, food and natural beauty, as travellers can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta in Bologna and creamy gelato everywhere.

    Interesting places to visit in Italy include the open-air museum in Rome, where ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Forum exist alongside Renaissance masterpieces and modern city life, as well as the unique canal network and ornate architecture in Venice.

    There is also the Vatican Museums’ art collections gathered by popes over the centuries.

    6. Turkey (51.2 million visitors)

    Istanbul, the capital city of Turkey, captivates visitors with landmarks reflecting its unique position.

    The Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, now a museum, stands as a testament to the city’s layered history, while the Blue Mosque impresses with its cascading domes and six slender minarets.

    Similarly, the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, invites visitors to haggle for treasures among its 4,000 shops.

    Turkey recorded massive growth with 51.2 million visitors in 2024, up 11.9% from the previous year.

    7. Mexico (45 million visitors)

    Mexico attracted 45 million visitors in 2024, showing a significant growth of 9%. The country combines pre-Hispanic history, colonial charm and natural beauty with famous hospitality.

    Captivating places to visit in Mexico include the Riviera Maya, along the Yucatán Peninsula, which draws beach lovers to its white sands and clear waters and the capital, Mexico City, surprises first-time visitors with its sophistication, world-class museums and vibrant neighbourhoods.

    8. Thailand (39.8 million visitors)

    Interesting places to visit in Thailand include the Grand Palace in Bangkok, which houses the revered Emerald Buddha, while Southern Thailand’s islands and beaches rank among the world’s most beautiful.

    Last year, the country welcomed 39.8 million visitors seeking its unique combination of fascinating culture, beautiful beaches and famous hospitality. The “Land of Smiles” offers exceptional value for travellers.

    9. Germany (39.6 million visitors)

    With 39.6 million tourists, Germany is one of the leading countries in the world for tourism. The European country successfully balances its historical legacy with forward-thinking modernity and beautiful scenery.

    Travellers love to explore the Black Forest, Nymphenburg Palace, Pergamon Museum and Cologne Cathedral at night.

    Berlin stands as one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, where sections of the Berlin Wall now serve as an open-air gallery. The city’s Museum Island houses five world-class museums. Munich counterbalances with Bavarian tradition, especially during Oktoberfest, when millions gather to enjoy beer, pretzels and brass band music.

    10. United Kingdom (39.4 million visitors)

    The United Kingdom welcomed 39.4 million visitors in 2024, earning a place on the list of the most-visited countries in the world.

    The regal majesty of London, capital of England, remains an attractive spot for visitors across the world with numerous attractions such as The British Museum (which houses the greatest collection of Egyptian artefacts outside of Cairo), Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

  • Safety over profit, Air Peace replies NCAA over flight delays

    Safety over profit, Air Peace replies NCAA over flight delays

    XNigerian carrier, Air Peace, has responded to a reported statement by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) urging the airline to improve its domestic flight operations amid claims of chronic delays and cancellations.

    In a press release issued by the airline’s management, Air Peace expressed appreciation for the NCAA’s role in maintaining aviation safety and regulatory oversight, but emphasised the need to correct perceived misrepresentations regarding its operational capacity and safety practices.

    “While we hold the NCAA in the highest regard… we believe it is essential to set the record straight,” the statement read.

    The airline reiterated that safety remains its topmost priority, explaining that delays and cancellations are often due to safety concerns rather than operational deficiencies.

    “If weather conditions, technical parameters, or operational standards fall short of what is safe, we will not operate that flight,” Air Peace stated.

    The airline also responded to an alleged recommendation from the NCAA suggesting it reduce its operational scale to match available aircraft.

    Air Peace refuted any claims of fleet shortages, noting that it currently possesses more aircraft than are deployed daily.

    “Any delays or cancellations we’ve experienced have absolutely nothing to do with fleet shortage,” the airline clarified.

    To highlight the unpredictable nature of flight disruptions, Air Peace cited an incident earlier today involving a bird strike during landing in Enugu, which resulted in engine damage and the immediate grounding of the aircraft.

    The airline noted that the affected plane had been scheduled to service several routes, causing unavoidable ripple effects on operations.

    “It is not our policy to delay or cancel flights without due cause,” the statement continued, adding that the airline often bears significant financial losses when flights are disrupted. “We will never sacrifice safety for convenience, comfort, speed, or profit.”

    Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to serving passengers with dignity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to global aviation safety standards.

  • NAMA flags poor synergy, obsolete equipment as threats to aviation security

    NAMA flags poor synergy, obsolete equipment as threats to aviation security

    Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has identified challenges hindering the effectiveness of aviation security in Nigeria, saying they include lack of Synergy among security agencies, inadequate investment in security infrastructure and poor recruitment.

    NAMA, which said collaboration among security agencies was weak despite the shared responsibility for securing aviation infrastructure, added that motivation among aviation security personnel was poor.

    The agency’s Managing Director, Engr Farouk Ahmed, said this at the aviation security stakeholders symposium themed: ‘Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving the Safe Skies Goal,’ organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in Lagos.

    Represented by Isemiuhonmon Egbadon, Ahmed said the absence of structured inter-agency communication channels and overlapping mandates were compromising the effectiveness of security operations at airports.

    His words: “This lack of synergy delays critical decision-making hinders unified responses to security threats. There is inadequate investment in security infrastructure and equipment. Many airports and airspace facilities are yet to benefit from modern security technologies.

    “Obsolete screening systems, inadequate perimeter fencing, poor surveillance coverage and limited access control systems expose key installations to avoidable threats. The integration of physical and cyber-security systems remains suboptimal, limiting the ability to detect, deter and respond to security breaches in real time.

    “The critical role of aviation security personnel is undermined by insufficient training, poor remuneration and limited opportunities for career development. Several frontline officers are not conversant with evolving international security standards, while low morale continues to affect performance, vigilance and professionalism.

    “A growing concern is the deployment of inadequately qualified individuals into sensitive aviation security positions. These appointments often bypass necessary screening. certification and background verification processes required by International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO Annex 17 and national civil aviation regulations. The result is a vulnerability in the leadership and execution of security protocols at airports and related facilities.”

    On recommendations, he said: “The creation of a national aviation security coordination framework, anchored by FAAN and regularly inspected or audited by NCAA, to drive seamless collaboration among all security stakeholders. This task force should convene regularly to share intelligence, develop joint action plans, conduct simulations and issue coordinated advisories. Federal and state authorities, in partnership with the private sector, must invest in modern aviation security equipment. This includes biometric access systems, smart surveillance solutions, integrated command centres and advanced threat detection tools. Funding mechanisms should be developed to ensure sustained upgrades and maintenance.

    “Security personnel should undergo recurrent training accredited by ICAO and relevant bodies. Training must cover not only physical security but also cyber security, behavioural detection, and emergency response Additionally, structured motivation frameworks- including health benefits, hazard allowances, and career progression plans-should be introduced to retain top talent.

    “All recruitment into aviation security roles must strictly comply with prescribed certification, background verification, and competency criteria A centralised vetting system should be established by the NCAA.”

    In a similar development, Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, warned that with global threats evolving at breakneck speed, Nigeria’s aviation architecture must be continuously reimagined and strengthened.

    Onyema said no agency or operator could do it alone, adding: “Airlines, airport authorities, security agencies, regulators and private sector partners must work in concert.”

    He highlighted how Air Peace has modelled this collaborative approach by investing in cutting-edge security technology, continuous training and institutional partnerships.

    He, however, cautioned against overreliance on hardware and checklists, saying security was also about mindset.

    According to him, vigilance, intelligence-sharing and uncompromising compliance must be cultural norms across the aviation ecosystem.

    He said: “Let us share best practices, raise hard questions, and commit to actionable outcomes.”

  • FG, Emirates sign MoU to boost inbound tourism

    FG, Emirates sign MoU to boost inbound tourism

    Ministry of Art Culture Tourism and the Creative Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Emirates to attract more international visitors to Nigeria.

    The agreement was signed at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market by Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Centre, Adil Al Ghaith; and Special Assistant to the Minister on Sub-National Development and Tourism, Mr Abiola Abdulkareem; in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, alongside other senior officials.

    Commenting on the signing, Adnan Kazim said: “Since resuming operations to Lagos in October 2024, we have focused on deepening our strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors. This partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Ministry solidifies our commitment to driving international travellers to experience the country’s fascinating history, its urban cities, the untapped, stunning natural world and, of course, the warm hospitality that characterizes Nigerian culture.”

    In her remarks, Musawa said: “This partnership with Emirates marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s tourism sector. It serves as a critical springboard for driving inbound tourism as we work towards delivering on our Destination 2030 Soft Power Initiative, endorsed by Mr. President to position Nigeria as a global leader in culture, heritage, and creativity. Strengthening strategic alliances with international stakeholders like Emirates not only opens new gateways for visitors but also empowers local communities, stimulates economic growth, and showcases Nigeria’s extraordinary cultural tapestry to the world.”

    Meanwhile, under the MoU, Emirates would help to promote inbound tourism to Nigeria from key markets on its network, encouraging travellers to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage.

    Both partners would also develop programmes for trade partners, hoteliers and tour operators, to showcase Africa as well as exploring incentives, familiarisation trips and other marketing initiatives.

  • Delta Air Lines Reports Strong Profitability Despite Economic Uncertainty in Q1 2025

    Delta Air Lines Reports Strong Profitability Despite Economic Uncertainty in Q1 2025

    American carrier, Delta Air Lines, has said its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 showed solid profitability despite a challenging economic climate.

    The airline said it generated $14.0 billion in operating revenue for the March quarter, with operating income totalling $569 million and a pre-tax income of $320 million.

    Delta’s operating margin stood at 4.0 per cent, while earnings per share came in at $0.37.

    The airline also reported a healthy $2.4 billion in operating cash flow and made $531 million in debt and lease payments, bringing total debt and finance lease obligations down to $15.8 billion by the end of the quarter.

    Looking ahead to the second quarter, Delta projects profitability in the range of $1.5 to $2 billion. However, due to ongoing economic volatility, the airline has chosen not to issue a revised full-year outlook at this time.

  • Air Peace pledges free evacuation, medicals for trafficked Nigerian girls in Ivory Coast

    Air Peace pledges free evacuation, medicals for trafficked Nigerian girls in Ivory Coast

    xAir Peace has promised to bring back the trafficked underaged Nigerian girls from Ivory Coast, and also give them free medical care.

    Allen Onyema, the airline’s Chairman, made the announcement in a statement. He called for collective efforts to discourage trafficking, emphasising its inhumane and ungodly nature.

    Recall that activist, VeryDarkMan (Martins Vincent Otse), raised the alarm over the underaged Nigerian girls trafficked to Ivory Coast.

    Reacting, Air Peace boss, Onyema, offered free flight back home and medical care for the Nigerian girls.

    He “expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent discovery of Nigerian underaged girls trafficked to Ivory Coast”.

    ‘We will bring them home’

    Onyema said: “We should discourage trafficking of any kind. It is inhumane and callous. It is absolutely ungodly and a good example of man’s inhumanity to man.

    “We, in Air Peace, are ready to bring our fellow citizens back home free off charge.

    “Besides that, we are going to send all of them to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for free medical examination and treatment.

    “While we implore the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire to assemble them and reach out to us, we equally call on the Federal Government to take charge of their education while reuniting them with their families.”

  • US embassy announces new visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants

    US embassy announces new visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants

    The United States Embassy has introduced updated visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants, effective from April 22, 2025.

    In a statement released on Friday, the US mission emphasised that all applicants attending visa interviews in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 form featuring a confirmation barcode that begins with “AA” followed by two zeroes (00). Crucially, this barcode must match the one used to book the appointment online.

    Applicants with mismatched barcode information will be denied entry to the Consular Section and disqualified from their scheduled interviews.

    “Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You also must make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160,” the statement read.

    To avoid issues, applicants are strongly advised to verify that their DS-160 barcode matches their appointment information at least two weeks before their interview date.

    The embassy also clarified that DS-160 forms from previous applications cannot be reused. In the event of a mismatch, applicants must log into their AVITS account at least 10 days before the interview and submit a correction request.

    “If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number,” the mission added.

    Additionally, appointments must be made at the same location indicated on the DS-160 form. Applicants who are turned away due to mismatched barcodes will need to resolve the issue and reschedule a new appointment. If the visa fee has expired, a new payment may be required.

    Since January 1, all applicants have also been required to visit the US Consulate General in Lagos twice as part of the visa application process.

  • NCAA warns airlines against halfway deportations of Nigerian passengers

    NCAA warns airlines against halfway deportations of Nigerian passengers

    FCT, Abuja — The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to international airlines over the growing number of complaints from passengers who are being airlifted halfway to their destinations only to be deported back to Nigeria.

    The aviation regulator condemned this practice, stating that it has caused significant distress to passengers and tarnished the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

    NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu stated this in a statement cited by Vanguard on Thursday, April 3.

    “These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding or denial of entry at intermediate or transit stops due to visa and travel restrictions, are completely unacceptable,” he said.

    The NCAA emphasized that it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers of any potential barriers to their admissibility before they commence travel.

    “Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only upon arrival at transit stops,” Achimugu added.

    Citing the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1), the NCAA reminded airlines and their agents of their duty to ensure that travelers are aware of any potential entry restrictions before their departure.

    “Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing tickets or allowing boarding,” the statement read.

    In light of these issues, the NCAA has announced immediate enforcement measures.

    “Effective immediately, any airline found engaging in such practices will face regulatory action, including fines, suspension of flight operations, or other penalties deemed appropriate,” Achimugu warned.

    The NCAA called on all international airlines operating in Nigeria to comply with these directives, stressing that maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the industry is crucial for ensuring passenger well-being.

  • Arik Air airlifts 2.2m passengers in 2024 – NCAA report

    Arik Air airlifts 2.2m passengers in 2024 – NCAA report

    Arik Air in 2024, airlifted 2,239,176 passengers between January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, a report sourced from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has stated.

    The airline, which has been under the receivership of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, since 2017, despite its challenges, also operated 10,699 flights within the year under review, making it the second most active airline in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations in Nigeria, after Air Peace.

    According to the report, the total number of air travellers in the domestic scene in 2024 was 11, 549,443 with inbound at 5,727,700 and outbound passengers at 5,821,743. This figure shows that Arik Air captured 19.3 per cent of the total passenger traffic for 2024, while it had 15.1 per cent of the total 70,543 flights operated by the 15 domestic airlines in the year under review.

    The Executive Summary on international and domestic flight operations 2024, as captured by the NCAA, indicated that Arik Air had 1,112,358 and 1,126,818 as inbound and outbound passengers for 2024, respectively, making it a total of 2,239,176 passengers ferried in 2024.

    Monthly breakdown of the passenger traffic indicated that Arik Air had 37,772 inbound passengers and another 38,987 as outbound passengers in January 2024, totalling 76,759 passengers. For February the airline recorded 38,217 as inbound and 39,209 as outbound, totalling 77,426; March, 37,183 as inbound and 37,642 as outbound, making it a total of 74,825; April, 31,326 as inbound and 31,971 as outbound, making 63,297.

    Speaking on the development, General Secretary Aviation Safety Round Table Initiatives, Olumide Ohunayo, said: “Arik Air’s performance in 2024 stands out as exceptional, despite the airline being under AMCON receivership. The data released by the regulatory authority ranked Arik as second in domestic passenger traffic, moving 2,239,176 passengers—a testament to its resilience and strategic management under challenging conditions.

    “With a 13.4 per cent market share out of the 11.5 million total domestic passengers, Arik Air’s sustained dominance highlights its strong operational efficiency. This result demonstrates Arik’s operational stability under Receivership despite financial constraints,distractive litigations,fleet limitations, and regulatory challenges, the airline continued to deliver reliable air travel services, showing effective route management and passenger demand optimization.

    “It should be noted that Arik Air suffered severe disruptions due to a high court order grounding some of its aircraft last year when mediation was a better option to the instantaneous grounding by the executive.”

    Meanwhile, MD of Top Brass Aviation Limited, Roland Iyayi, said: “Arik Air transporting 2.2 million passengers and securing the second position in Nigeria’s domestic market, ahead of competitors like Ibom Air (1.3 million), Max Air (915,918), and Aero Contractors (964,900) is a huge and massive achievement, considering the disruptions the airline had suffered under receivership.

    “Arik Air’s performance is remarkable given its limited access to fresh capital, aging fleet, and regulatory hurdles tied to its receivership status.

    “The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) strategic support deserves recognition for its crucial role in stabilizing Arik Air, ensuring its continued operations, and maintaining confidence among passengers. Without AMCON’s intervention, the airline would not have remained a key player in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Arik Air’s ability to thrive under receivership reaffirms AMCON’s commitment to preserving jobs, sustaining economic contributions, and ensuring safe, reliable airline services for Nigerian travelers.”

  • FLY NIGERIA ACT: What analysts say!

    FLY NIGERIA ACT: What analysts say!

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has aroused mixed feelings among stakeholders in the air transport sector with his determination to introduce the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly.

    Questions surrounding the minister’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous carriers receive absolute patronage from public officials range from local airlines’ competitiveness to the policy’s workability.

    Designed to improve air travel, the Fly Nigeria Act, if approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and passed into law by the country’s apex legislative body, would mandate government officials to prioritize domestic airlines for official foreign trips.

    It is for this reason that Keyamo, at the 2025 ministerial press briefing in Abuja, revealed that he is in the process of proposing the bill to the country’s highest legislative organ.

    “Once the Fly Nigeria Act is finalized, it would be presented to the FEC, Federal Executive Council, for approval. After that, we will take it to the National Assembly to ensure that local airlines are given priority on international routes before international airlines,” the minister told newsmen last Thursday.

    Past and present efforts

    Although the idea of a Fly Nigeria Act is not new in the country’s aviation industry, the latest drive by the minister to ensure a favorable outcome has been reviewed by analysts, with suggestions made.

    Saturday Vanguard recalls that a formal attempt to legislate the act began some 16 years ago when former Minister of Aviation, Babatunde Omotoba, 2009, introduced the policy to the FEC through a memo.

    The memo, titled: ‘Fly Nigeria Policy: Patronage of Indigenous Airlines by Federal Public Officers,’ sought the council’s “approval for the introduction of a policy (Fly Nigeria) making it compulsory for all Federal public officers to patronize Nigerian airline operators when undertaking official trips overseas on routes operated by the indigenous Nigerian airlines.”

    While Omotoba did not succeed in overseeing its ratification, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, and members of the Aviation Safety Round Table, ASRTI, among others, have persisted in advocating for the act.

    Early last year, Agbakoba, during a media chat, urged the Federal Government to enact it, and assured that a Fly Nigeria Act would strengthen air transport in Nigeria.

    “Proposals such as the Fly Nigeria Bill, the Aviation Corporate Governance Code, and the domestication of international conventions have been suggested to address these challenges,” he said.

    The legal practitioner further asserted that Fly Nigeria, copied from the Fly America Act, “aims to apply public funds for air travel exclusively to national carriers, generating passenger traffic and supporting their international growth.”

    What  analysts say

    With the current minister of aviation disclosing that he is in the process of making another push for the act, many have shared their thoughts.

    Among them is the Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Aviation Security and Safety Consult, Group Captain John Ojikutu, retd.

    Ojikutu, in a chat with Saturday Vanguard, asked: “Do we have the airlines that will compete with all these foreign airlines if the act is implemented?”

    Abacha era

    The analyst recalled that during the administration of former military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, many government officials traveled to Ghana to satisfy their craving for British Airways despite Abacha banning the airline from flying into Nigeria.

    He said: “I do not know whether people remember that when Abacha stopped British Airways, BA, from coming into Nigeria, many Nigerians, including government officials, traveled to Accra to fly the airline out of the country.”

    Ojikutu argued that the Fly Nigeria Act would not help domestic airlines, stating that the best move would be for the minister to restrict foreign airlines to a single entry point.

    “That is the only way domestic airlines, including Air Peace, can benefit. Foreign airlines can be allowed to go to either Abuja or Lagos 100 times a day. However, to go to Abuja and fly into Lagos should not be allowed because that is the only way you are going to create a market for your airline within the country,” he said.

    Mexican model

    Ojikutu suggested that Nigeria could learn from Mexico, which implements similar restrictions.

    “We are just wasting time on something that won’t materialise. Fly Nigeria on which airline? If you are doing that with a national carrier, then it is different. Again, that is why I do not agree with the national carrier because I saw how Nigerian Airways was wrecked by government officials.

    “Officials would collect money  government in dollars for first class, business class tickets. Even when issued economic class tickets, they would fly first class or business class and deny the airline funds from passengers who had money to pay. There are about 30 foreign airlines flying into this country, is it only Air Peace that would compete with them? How many passengers will it pick? It will not work,” Ojikutu added.

    Workability

    Like him, aviation journalist, Wole Shadare, wondered if Nigeria had the airlines to enable it work.

    He said: “it looks good on paper. It looks fantastic. It is good that the minister wants to support Nigerian airlines, but where are the airlines? Do we have an aviation industry that is as developed as the United States’ from whom we want to copy? A lot of things will be considered for it to be passed.”

    Benefits

    Unlike Shadare and Ojikutu, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told Saturday Vanguard that it would be a clever move if the minister is able to oversee its enactment.

    Sanusi explained that the act would be beneficial to both international travellers and domestic airlines because it would mean more business and better service.

    According to him, “it means that for any official of government or contractor doing business with the Nigerian government and is being paid by the Nigerian government, there is a requirement for him to fly the country’s flag carrier when going on foreign trips.  I think it is a national duty to do it because every country would like to protect its business and see it grow.”

    He also said efforts geared towards its implementation commenced long ago, adding that he had thrown his weight behind the bill from his days in Arik Air.

    “We have been fighting for it since I was in Arik. We want to ensure that public servants flying out of the country use either the flag carriers or the national carrier. It will definitely push traffic to these carriers and boost their revenue. It is a very good thing to have and grow the industry,” he told Saturday Vanguard.

    Support our own

    Sanusi insisted that it is the duty of Nigerians to ensure the success of domestic businesses, saying it is a national responsibility.

    “As a country, we just have to support our own. For any industry, be it banking, telecommunication, oil and gas, you just have to support your country. It is not possible to support other countries over ours and expect it to grow. All these beautiful carriers that we see outside the country coming in, all these beautiful things that we see in developed countries were supported by citizens. It is not aliens that built industries for foreigners, they did it themselves, and we can learn from them,” he said.

    Hope

    For the General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, he expressed hope that the FEC would not repeat what it did to Omotoba, urging them to use the initiative in reserving a market for Nigerian carriers.

    “We can now see the partnerships that Nigerian carriers are getting. This is because we now have a minister that is pushing the Nigerian product. I hope that the minister is able to break the ice that Omotoba could not break,” the analysts said.

    Ohunayo, however, added that whatever comes out of the proposal should not deter local airlines, saying they should continue to increase collaboration with international carriers.

    “Whichever way, Nigerian airlines should not lose focus, they should continue to deepen partnership. If implemented, Fly Nigeria will work better if those who fly Nigerian carriers are put in other flights beyond that point where they are operating to. With that, there will be options and varieties for Nigerians when they are flying a domestic carrier,” he said.