In a significant move to facilitate smoother operations during ongoing construction at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has suspended all access fees from January 24 to February 7, 2025. This decision aims to ease traffic congestion at the airport while construction activities are underway [201b05d0].
The suspension of fees coincides with the inaugural flight of Air Sierra Leone, which commenced operations in Nigeria on January 22, 2025, carrying 36 passengers. The airline plans to operate three weekly flights to Lagos using E145 aircraft. Edgard Lacle, Air Sierra Leone's general manager, highlighted trade and tourism as key attractions for the airline's expansion into the Nigerian market [201b05d0].
This development follows recent actions by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who instructed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to expedite the processing of air ticket refunds for passengers affected by suspended airlines, including Dana Air and Azman Air [584d108d]. Keyamo's directive underscores the government's commitment to consumer protection and regulatory compliance within the aviation sector [584d108d].
As the NCAA continues to audit Dana Air's operations, the suspension of fees at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport is expected to provide temporary relief to passengers and airlines alike, fostering a more favorable environment for air travel in Nigeria [72072aca][201b05d0].
