Due to the current financial crisis facing the Nigerian aviation sector, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Capt. Musa Nuhu, is seeing a vision where all the airlines might be merged for sustainability.
Capt. Nuhu disclosed his fear of the merger while assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the industry during an NTA programme on Saturday evening.
According to Nuhu, “The COVID-19 pandemic exaggerated a bad situation; some airlines may not survive but the industry will come back better. It has always gone through crisis but has come out stronger. The Airlines Operators of Nigeria are coming together to see what they can do to help the situation and they met with me. The industry will be different altogether.
“I am sure a lot of them will see changes in their model. I won’t be surprised there would be merger activities around airlines to reduce cost and strive for survival.”
Reacting to the current air fare hike, Nuhu protected airlines operators with the statement that airlines are in financial distress and requires bailouts.
“The airlines have to find a source of raising more fund. As passenger traffic went down due to the pandemic. They are trying their best and by the time the bailout kicks in, things will be better.”
Nuhu added that “The airlines maintenance are carried outside the country and it is done in foreign exchange. Which calls for the need to raise enough Nigerian currency for aircrafts service and maintenance.