By Mercy Odeh (Content Editor)

LAGOS, NIGERIA  — Aviation stakeholders have called for a review of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) imposed on airlines, proposing instead the adoption of a unit-cost-per-flight model as part of measures to reduce airline mortality and promote sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The stakeholders made the recommendation at the 30th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), held on September 10, 2026, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The conference, with the theme, “Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,” brought together key players across the aviation industry to deliberate on the challenges confronting the sector and strategies for its long-term sustainability.

Participants expressed concern over the high rate of airline failures in the country, stressing the need for government and its agencies to adopt revenue-generation policies that would not undermine the financial viability of operators.

They advocated a review of the existing five per cent TSC and recommended a unit-cost-per-flight approach to charges imposed on airlines.

The stakeholders also called on government to review its revenue expectations from airlines and adopt more practical approaches to service-cost recovery, noting that excessive charges and multiple financial obligations could undermine investment and operational sustainability.

The stakeholders suggested that a flat fee of N5,000 or N7,000 be made on every TSC rather than waiting endlessly for the regulators to begin the five per cent calculations after every sale.

They submitted that, by doing so, passengers know exactly what they are being charged per ticket.

The conference further expressed concern over the multiplicity of charges imposed on aviation operators and called for their verification and harmonisation to prevent policies that could discourage private investment in the sector.

Participants also urged government agencies to adopt Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in determining charges and taxes imposed on airlines, arguing that such levies should reflect actual services provided and the ability of operators to sustain their businesses.

Beyond charges and taxes, the stakeholders called for massive investment in airport infrastructure in anticipation of increased fleet sizes and passenger traffic.

They also advocated consistent and predictable government policies, stressing that Nigeria’s huge aviation market could only be effectively harnessed through an appropriate regulatory, financial and operational framework.

On flight delays, the conference called for improved communication between airlines, airport authorities and passengers, particularly through early dissemination of information to travellers whenever disruptions occur.

The stakeholders said timely information would help reduce confusion, frustration and tension at airports during periods of delays and cancellations.

They also frowned at what they described as unhealthy rivalry among stakeholders over revenue sources, urging greater collaboration between government agencies and industry operators in the interest of the sector’s overall development.

The conference further called for the application of practical industry experience in policymaking and urged stakeholders to develop strategies that would position aviation as a stronger contributor to Nigeria’s economic development.

It also recommended that appropriate charges and taxes for revenue generation should not be limited to scheduled commercial airlines but should be extended equitably to other relevant aviation service providers.

The stakeholders further raised concerns about conditions attached to personnel choices regarding unionisation, calling for greater attention to workers’ rights and sound industrial relations.

The conference concluded that achieving a sustainable aviation industry would require a balance between government’s revenue objectives and the need to keep airlines financially viable, attract investment, improve infrastructure and sustain the industry’s long-term growth.

The conference brought together industry players such as, airline operators, airport and aviation investors, aviation institutes, private aviators, consultants, regulators, concessionaires among others.

The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd., Dr. Wale Babalakin,  SAN,  chaired the conference, where he called for a balance in government revenue demands that matches with the growth trajectory of the sector.

While Dr. Allen Onyema,  the Chairman of Air Peace Ltd., delivered a keynote address urging players to patriotic and tolerant of one another.

The Chairman of LAAC,  Mr Idris Sulaiman called on players in the ecosystem to collaborate in confronting the challenges of the sector.