(Ecofin Agency) - During Q1 2017, domestic flights operations slumped by 33%, as compared the same period, the year before. This was disclosed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

The authority indeed reported on May 8 that 10,366 flights were operated in the first quarter of the year, against 15,434 flights last year by eight domestic airlines. Amongst the airlines are Air Peace, Arik Air, Dana Air and First Nation.

According to the domestic airlines, the decrease in flights is among others due to a higher cost of fuel, inadequate navigational aids, etc.

Speaking regarding the low performance, Air Peace’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, said multiple charges were imposed on domestic airlines, pushing airlines to shut down. “If these taxes are not reduced, more airlines will crumble. No airline can survive this regime of taxes. Currently, we pay about 37 charges,” Onyema decried.

For the situation to be reversed and flights to increase, the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Nogie Meggison, said there is an urgent need to create a favorable environment for domestic airlines to thrive.