By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema says Nigerian airlines are under severe pressure from high taxation, rising costs, and global aviation inequality that continue to threaten the survival of domestic operators in the sector.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, monitored by Persecondnews on Tuesday, Onyema said the challenges facing Nigerian carriers are not isolated but part of a wider global aviation crisis worsened by fuel price volatility and harsh operating conditions.
“What is happening to Nigerian aviation is a global crisis in the aviation industry not limited to Nigeria as global airlines struggle with fuel costs and widespread operational disruptions today,” he said.
Onyema explained that global fuel price spikes have significantly impacted airline operations, with Nigeria recording sharper increases that have driven up costs and reduced profitability across domestic carriers in the aviation sector.
“Aviation fuel rose by about 30 to 40 percent globally and in Nigeria it has gone beyond 250 to 300 percent making operations extremely difficult for airlines across the sector today”
Industry operators said airlines are battling rising debt burdens as fuel and financing costs continue to erode margins, forcing carriers to seek survival loans and cut flight operations nationwide amid worsening economic pressures.
“No Nigerian airline is smiling now many are borrowing billions just to survive and keep flying under severe financial pressure from rising fuel and operational costs in the country today”
He further warned that the structure of airline financing in Nigeria is unsustainable, citing high interest rates and dollar-denominated obligations that place local carriers at a disadvantage compared to global competitors.
“Nigerian airline is actually dead on arrival and many operators are cutting flights to survive high financing costs dollar denominated expenses and expensive borrowing conditions in the aviation industry today”
Onyema also called for urgent tax reforms, warning that multiple charges and levies are undermining airline sustainability and reducing passenger demand across the sector while urging government intervention to stabilise operations.
“The five percent Ticket Sales Charge and multiple aviation taxes are increasing ticket prices reducing demand and making it difficult for airlines to sustain operations in Nigeria sector today crisis”
Onyema reflected on his 2019 evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, describing it as a patriotic act driven by service rather than financial gain, stressing legacy and national commitment in aviation leadership.
“I did it for love of country it was not about money you cannot go to your grave with your money it is the legacy you leave behind today legacy”
Onyema also defended Air Peace’s operations amid criticism over delays, insisting that most disruptions are caused by external factors such as safety checks, airport infrastructure limitations, and operational constraints beyond the airline’s control.
He maintained that safety remains non-negotiable, saying no aircraft will be cleared to fly if there are technical concerns, regardless of pressure or public criticism.
The AirPeace chairman urged Nigerians and regulators to understand the operational realities facing domestic carriers, stressing that the survival of airlines is critical to jobs, investment, and national connectivity.