The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has unveiled plans to significantly increase en-route navigational charges for flights, sparking concerns of rising air fares.

According to Umar Ahmed Farouk, the Managing Director of NAMA, the new charges are aimed at helping the agency recover the cost of diesel and logistics during extended hours of service.

Speaking at an event in Lagos on July 26th, Farouk explained, “Currently, our unit rate for international flights charged for service provision is about $70, domestic flights are charged 6,000 Naira. While NAMA recognizes the difficult economic environment aviation operates in Nigeria, it is equally a part of the ecosystem. It goes to the same market to procure equipment & other services like training.”

The proposed changes include raising en-route navigational charges from N2000 and N6,000 to N18,000 and N54,000 per flight, representing a substantial increase. Additionally, the extension of hours of service to airlines will now cost N450,000, up from N50,000, marking an 800% increase.

Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that these increases will inevitably lead to higher air fares, as airlines seek to pass on the additional costs to consumers. However, NAMA’s move is seen as an effort to adapt to the prevailing economic conditions and ensure the agency’s sustainability.