Foreign Airlines Flout Nigerian Aviation Law by Operating Ticket Offices Outside Airports

Several foreign airlines are reportedly violating Nigerian aviation regulations by maintaining ticketing offices across multiple cities, despite a law restricting such operations to airport premises. Investigations by The PUNCH reveal that at least six major international carriers currently run sales outlets beyond designated aerodromes, in clear defiance of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act.

According to Part 18.6.1.1 (c) of the NCAA regulations, foreign airlines operating scheduled international flights “shall not have sales offices or outlets in cities other than the point(s) of entry specified in the bilateral air services agreement” and such activities must be “limited to the aerodromes.” Industry observers argue that the continued existence of these off-airport offices not only breaches the law but also undermines Nigeria’s downstream aviation market and the country’s regulatory authority.

Aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, described the situation as a “battle between regulators and airlines,” noting that many carriers exploit legal loopholes by using general sales agents to operate ticketing services from airline offices. He accused both airlines and some travel agents of engaging in quasi-hawking activities at airports. “Airlines appoint general sales agents who sit in their offices and sell tickets, claiming the agents, not the airlines, are responsible. This has made it difficult for the NCAA to enforce the law,” he explained.

President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Yinka Folami, confirmed awareness of the regulation and said discussions were ongoing with both the government and the affected airlines to ensure compliance. He recalled that when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) to Nigeria about 15 years ago, it was agreed that airlines would close all city sales offices and operate solely at airports. “It’s global best practice for airlines to sell tickets only at airports. There’s no reason Nigeria should be an exception,” he said. Folami added that enforcement of the rule would align with international standards and support the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Efforts to reach the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.