The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has suspended its planned 800% increase in aircraft navigational charges, which was set to take effect on September 1, 2024.
The suspension was announced on NAMA’s official X account, citing the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the key factor for the decision.
NAMA plans to conduct further consultations to address concerns related to the proposed fee hike.
NAMA initially announced the increase during the League of Aviation and Airport Correspondents (LAAC) Conference, stating that the charges had not been reviewed since 2008.
The proposed changes included raising en-route and terminal navigation charges significantly and revising the extension of service hours to cover rising costs.
However, the aviation community, including airline operators and the public, strongly opposed the hike due to the potential impact on operational costs and flight fares.
In response to the backlash, NAMA has decided to suspend the proposed increase. The aviation community has welcomed this decision, hoping for a more balanced approach to navigational fees that considers both operational efficiency and the economic welfare of the flying public.