The Senate Committee on Aviation, led by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, has proposed a new policy requiring Nigerian airline operators to have a minimum of four to five aircraft before commencing operations. This initiative aims to address the persistent issues of flight delays and cancellations in the industry by ensuring adequate capaci
At the South West Regional Air Transportation Summit (SWATS) 2024, held in Lagos, Buhari emphasized that airlines with limited fleets should focus on manageable routes to ensure service quality and professionalism. He noted that professionalism is key for safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
In line with this, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has already unveiled a new policy set to take effect in January 2025, requiring airlines to maintain a minimum fleet of six aircraft, with at least four airworthy at all times. Senator Buhari supported this policy but pushed for a bill mandating the four to five aircraft minimum as a starting point for airline operations.
Buhari added that the aviation sector needs improved service delivery and adherence to international safety standards to restore customer confidence and compete globally.
This proposal is expected to bring significant reforms to Nigeria’s aviation industry, ensuring that airlines operate within their capacity to avoid service disruptions.
