BREAKING NEWS: Passengers across several United Nigeria Airlines routes departing Abuja were today left stranded and frustrated after a bird strike on one of the carrier’s aircraft triggered multiple flight cancellations.

Hike in Airfares: Reps seek reduction of 50% in airport charges and auxiliary taxes The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation has been asked to intervene in the exorbitant cost of domestic air tickets by effecting a fifty percent reduction in airport charges and auxiliary taxes. The House of Representatives which passed the resolution at Thursday's plenary is hoping that this will translate to a significant reduction in airfares to enable Nigerians take advantage of air travel during the Yuletide. Adopting a motion by Representative Obinna Aguocha, the House called for a transparent assessment mechanism by the Ministry of Aviation to determine the actual operational costs for airlines during the Yuletide. The House also drew attention to the plight of retirees and contributors under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Pension Fund Limited, who are facing delayed payment of their pension and gratuities, while calling for action.

Government cannot regulate airfare prices for private enterprises,” Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo says as domestic airfares climb to ₦1 million Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, has stated that the government has no authority to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation sector. Speaking on Arise TV, Keyamo said, “The government has absolutely no power to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation industry.” He explained that the recent hike in airfare ticket prices is beyond government control because the aviation industry has been fully deregulated. Keyamo emphasized that with deregulation, airlines now independently set their fares, and the government cannot interfere in pricing decisions. He urged the public to understand that ticket costs are determined by market forces and operational considerations within the aviation industry. In conclusion, the Minister reiterated that while the government can support the sector through policies and infrastructure, it has no mandate to control ticket prices, leaving fare adjustments at the discretion of airline operators.

Ibom Air Flight Aborts Lagos Landing, Returns to Abuja Due to Bad Weather An Ibom Air flight travelling from Abuja to Lagos on Thursday was forced to return to the capital after severe weather conditions made landing impossible. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who was on board, said the aircraft hovered over Lagos for about 30 minutes before the captain diverted back to Abuja. Passengers spent roughly two hours in the air before landing safely. The airline has not issued an official statement yet, though weather-related disruptions have recently affected multiple Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, which previously announced delays due to heavy rainfall in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Airlines continue to emphasise safety as their top priority amid recurring adverse weather patterns nationwide.

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport Begins Operations as United Nigeria Airlines Launches First Direct Flight Ekiti State has commenced commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport following a N49.7 billion investment by successive administrations. United Nigeria Airlines operated the inaugural direct flight from Abuja, carrying dignitaries and marking the beginning of passenger services. Governor Biodun Oyebanji revealed that N14 billion was spent between 2019 and 2022, while his administration invested an additional N34 billion to complete crucial infrastructure, including the terminal, control tower, drainage systems, and Instrument Landing System. The governor praised the contributions of former governors and Aare Afe Babalola, who donated $1.6 million worth of navigational equipment. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo described the milestone as a boost for regional trade and job creation. In a related development, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport is also preparing to receive its first commercial flight after securing regulatory approval.

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026. The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel. For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries. The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter. The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty. To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market. The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

Senate summons aviation minister over surge in domestic airfares The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and key stakeholders in the sector for an urgent interaction following public outcry over the sudden rise in domestic airfares. The resolution came during plenary today December 9 after Buhari Abdulfatai raised a motion on the floor of the Senate, warning that the soaring prices pose a serious threat to mobility and could trigger nationwide travel disruption in the coming days. Leading the debate, Senator Buhari from Oyo state noted that Nigerians have continuously decried the rise in cost of domestic flights. He revealed that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now costs between N400,000 and N600,000, an amount many citizens can no longer afford. The lawmaker argued that the situation is especially distressing given the increasing difficulty and insecurity on major highways. “We need to invite stakeholders of our airline agencies to interact and interrogate the issues. Immediate steps must be taken before the festive period,” he said Other senators echoed similar concerns. Senator Orji Kalu however attempted to justify the airlines’ fare increases by pointing to rising operational costs and the soaring price of spare parts, an explanation that was met with rousing disapproval from several lawmakers. The lawmakers unanimously agreed to summon the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, airline operators, regulators and other industry stakeholders to given reasons for the increase in fares and how it can be reduced.

Twenty-One Economic Miracles Currently Happening Under President Tinubu One: Our foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark for the first time in six years. It is now the fourth-highest on the African continent. Two: The prudent management of our foreign reserves under President Tinubu has led to a 3.93% GDP growth in the immediate past quarter and 4.23% growth in the quarter before that (Q2, 2025). Three: Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has, within two years, moved from being Africa's biggest petrol importer to becoming West Africa's largest exporter of the same product. Four: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day. Five: President Tinubu gave Nigerian airlines direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, São Paulo, Brazil, Bogotá, Colombia, Entebbe, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Algiers, Algeria, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Six: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 barrels per day, a sixteen-year low. Seven: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history. Eight: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rose above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever. Nine: Our economy expanded by $67 billion in just two years, moving Nigeria's GDP from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when Asiwaju became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today. Ten: Between January and August 2025, non-oil tax revenue was ₦20.59 trillion, a 40.5% increase from the ₦14.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024. Eleven: MTN Nigeria Limited hit a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so. Twelve: Food prices have fallen significantly, resulting in a drop in inflation to 16.05% at present, down from 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% decline from July's 21.88%. Thirteen: Dangote and other retailers have crashed fuel prices below ₦1000. Fourteen: The Naira has stabilised and is now below ₦1500 to $, making it among the world's best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings. Fifteen: Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energyoutput of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria. Sixteen: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat its 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1. Seventeen: In a sign of an improving economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 27%, the first time since the #COVID19 pandemic. Eighteen: Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria's economy to a Stable B. Nineteen: Two PhDs in economics, in the persons of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and incumbent Governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuma Soludo, both confirmed that President Tinubu has "stabilised the economy". Twenty: Rail transport expanded in Nigeria by 43.08% in Q2 2025. Twenty-one: Road transport expanded by 24.50% in Q2 2025, driven by the ₦13 trillion 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the ₦15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, currently under construction. Bonus: Student loans were awarded to an unprecedented 500,000 students, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting their loans. Effective rebranding projects a positive image of what is happening. It is the best way to neutralise enemies of the nation who want to overwhelm the airwaves with negative information. If you are a patriot who loves Nigeria and wants your country to progress, please spread this truthful message. Reno Omokri

Uganda Airlines Launches Cheaper Nigeria Flights to Compete With Air Peace, Arik and Others Uganda Airlines has officially commenced flight operations in Nigeria, beginning with Lagos and expanding to Abuja and Kano, promising cheaper fares and faster connectivity between West and East Africa. The airline’s inaugural flight landed at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport two decades after Nigeria and Uganda signed their BASA agreement. With three weekly flights now approved, the Ugandan carrier reduces travel time between both countries from 10 hours to just three and a half. Aviation stakeholders say the entry of Uganda Airlines will boost competition, lower ticket prices, and provide easier connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation also confirmed new route approvals as the country continues attracting more foreign airlines despite industry challenges.

Air Peace CEO Warns New 2026 Tax Law Will Cripple Nigerian Airline Air Peace Chairman and AON leader, Allen Onyema, has warned that the proposed tax law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, will devastate Nigeria’s aviation industry if implemented. Speaking at the 100 years of Aviation celebration in Abuja, Onyema said the sector—already struggling—would “crumble” under the new tax regime and urged the National Assembly and President Tinubu to intervene. He praised the current administration’s support for the aviation sector but stressed that multiple taxes remain a major burden on airlines. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also honoured industry veterans at the event, acknowledging past contributions and pledging continued reforms.

PBAT's Aviation Masterstroke: The MRO Deal That Puts Nigeria on the Global Map President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has just pulled off one of the most transformative moves in Nigeria’s aviation history, a strategic partnership with global aerospace giant Boeing and the UK’s prestigious Cranfield University to establish a world-class Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) hub right here in Nigeria. This is not just another government announcement. It’s a structural shift that changes how the world views Nigeria’s aviation capacity. 1. Billions Saved, Billions Earned Right now, Nigerian airlines spend billions of naira every year flying their aircraft abroad for routine maintenance. With this facility in Nigeria, that money stays in the economy, and foreign airlines may even start coming to us for servicing. This means massive savings, fresh revenue streams, and a stronger naira over time. 2. Thousands of High-Value Jobs MROs are labour-intensive and highly technical. From aeronautical engineers to technicians and software specialists to safety experts, this hub will create thousands of well-paid, specialised jobs for Nigerians. President Tinubu isn’t just creating jobs; he’s creating global-standard careers. 3. Skills That Match Global Standards Partnering with Cranfield University, one of the world’s leading aviation and aerospace institutions, means Nigerian professionals will receive elite training. For the first time, Nigeria will train and export aviation talent at the level of Europe, the Middle East, and North America. 4. A Boost for Local Airlines Air Peace, Ibom Air, Azman, Overland all Nigerian airlines will finally have affordable, quick-turnaround maintenance at home. This translates to cheaper operations, fewer grounded aircraft, better safety, and more flights for Nigerians. 5. Nigeria Becomes Africa’s Aviation Powerhouse Only a few African countries have credible MRO facilities. With Boeing and Cranfield backing this project, Nigeria leapfrogs into continental leadership, attracting investment, partnerships, and global aviation traffic. 6. Proof of President Tinubu’s Economic Diplomacy Working This partnership didn’t fall from the sky; it’s a direct result of Tinubu’s aggressive economic diplomacy, restoring investor confidence, strengthening international ties, and positioning Nigeria as a serious business destination again. In simple terms: This MRO project is a high-impact, high-value, globally recognised move that boosts jobs, strengthens airlines, saves foreign exchange, and establishes Nigeria as the aviation hub Africa has been waiting for, all under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch.

🚨⚡️ Airlines around the world are rescheduling or canceling flights. Airbus previously recalled thousands of planes due to a flight management system error. In Japan, All Nippon Airways canceled nearly 100 domestic flights. This video shows the situation at a local airport. The collapse affected more than 13,000 passengers. In France, people are queuing for about three hours, according to social media users. The photo shows a huge crowd gathered near the check-in counters. Yesterday, Airbus recalled almost half of the global A320 fleet—more than 6,000 aircraft require a software update. Strong solar radiation was reported to be damaging data needed by the flight control system.

Global Grounding of 6,000 Airbus Jets After Solar Radiation Fault Exposes Flight-Control Vulnerability A newly discovered software flaw has forced the grounding of nearly 6,000 Airbus A320-family aircraft worldwide after investigators found that bursts of solar radiation can corrupt altitude-calculation systems in “fly-by-wire” controls. The issue surfaced after an October incident involving a sudden altitude loss on a U.S.–Mexico flight. While most affected planes can be fixed with a three-hour software patch, about 900 older jets require full computer replacements, causing extended disruptions. Regulators, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, have issued emergency directives as airlines worldwide face cancellations and delays while implementing the required fixes. #AviationSafety #AirbusA320 #SolarRadiation

Venezuela Bans Airlines That Halted Flights Per US Warning Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment to target narcotics operations, which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro insists is intended to overthrow his government.

Venezuela Bans Airlines That Halted Flights Per US Warning Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment to target narcotics operations, which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro insists is intended to overthrow his government.

United Nigeria Airlines confirmed that VeryDarkMan, and Mr Jollof were deboarded and handed over to airport security. A Delta State government official has confirmed the arrest of two social media personalities, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, after an altercation broke out between them during boarding at the Asaba International Airport.

"FG Set to Ban Foreign Airlines from Selling Tickets in Dollars" — NANTA President. The Federal Government is set to put an end to the sale of airline tickets in foreign currency by international carriers, according to Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA). Speaking during a cultural and tourism programme in Lagos over the weekend, Folami described the practice of cross-border foreign currency trading as “a crime against the economy.” “Those of us in the aviation sector know that until Nigeria has a strong national carrier to fill the gap, these issues will continue. I am pleased to inform Nigerians that the government is actively addressing the sale of tickets in foreign currency, and this is the latest update,” he said. He emphasized that foreign airlines selling tickets in dollars violates regulations and adds pressure on the naira and the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Folami noted that the government is responding to concerns raised by travel agencies over this persistent challenge. The NANTA president further stated that there is no longer any justification for selling tickets in foreign currency in Nigeria, calling the practice outdated and predicting that it will soon be phased out from the country’s aviation industry. He also highlighted the importance of a strong domestic airline, urging Nigerians to support Air Peace. “The airline has taken bold steps by launching London routes from Lagos and Abuja. It is both a patriotic duty and a responsibility for Nigerians to support and pray for the airline’s continued success and sustainability,” Folami added.

Keyamo Proposes Law Requiring Public Officials to Fly Nigerian Airlines on International Trips Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for the enactment of a law that would compel government officials to use Nigerian airlines for foreign travel. He explained that the move aligns with global best practices, as many countries prioritise their national carriers, stressing that Nigeria must also promote and support its own airlines.

NDLEA Nabs Lagos, Onitsha Boutique Owner With 127 Wraps of Cocaine Hidden in Stomach and Underwear. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria. Ejiofor, who reportedly owns boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. A body scan revealed that he had ingested several pellets of cocaine and concealed more inside his underwear. “Ejiofor was immediately taken into custody after the scan confirmed he had ingested the drugs. A total of 58 wraps were recovered from his underwear, while another 69 pellets were later excreted in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms,” the statement said. In related operations, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted three shipments of illicit drugs bound for the United Kingdom between October 9 and 10. The seizures included 1.74 kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers. The agency also foiled attempts by other drug syndicates to smuggle 2.6 kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol disguised as black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in women’s handbags destined for Australia, and 568 grams of “Loyd” cannabis concealed in herbal containers en route to the United Arab Emirates. NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking networks across Nigeria and beyond.

The United States has proposed prohibiting Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace while flying to or from American airports, a US document has shown, as the rival superpowers try to thrash out a trade deal. The US Department of Transportation noted in a tentative order on Thursday a “desire… to prevent competitive imbalances arising between US and Chinese air carriers as a result of unequal access to third-country airspace.”