Who Will Bail Nigerian Airlines?

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photo credit: www.arikair.com

photo credit: www.arikair.com
The recent events in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry is worrisome! Aero Contractors; the oldest domestic airlines unceremoniously shut down operations after struggling to remain afloat amidst financial difficulties.  Another Airline First Nation also announced a temporary flight suspension to enable her fix her aircraft with a promise to resume operations on September 15, 2016. Surprisingly, the resumption date was shifted as the airline could not meet her target.
 Then came the big shock, Arik Air; Nigeria’s largest carrier was also hit by the flight suspension bug but thankfully, the airline restored full flight services within 24hours after resolving "the documentation issue with insurance"
Undoubtedly, Nigerian airlines need help. A visit to the Murtala Muhammed Domestic airport reveals the state of domestic airlines in Nigeria.
As I walked through the departure hall of the privately managed wing of Lagos domestic airport(MMA2), I saw the Ticketing and Check-in Counters of IRS airlines, Discovery Air, Aero Contractors and First Nation all deserted leaving only Dana Air and Azman. At the General Aviation Terminal, only Arik Air, AirPeace ,Medview and Overland still operate.
Though the airport is still lively as eateries and shopping malls are obviously in good business, the truth is that these businesses are there because of the airlines.
Nigerian airlines are crying for help! Nigerian Government needs to emulate the South African Government that recently announce a new bailout for South African Airlines. The gains of a robust aviation sector outweigh the cost of supporting the airlines.
 Look at what Rwanda is doing with RwandAir! The government of Rwanda is rewriting the history of Rwanda by using RwandAir to connect Rwanda to the world and also connect the world to Rwanda. Aviation is the soul of tourism and a weak aviation sector is equals to a weak tourism sector. Now that oil money no longer sustains our economy, would government also watch the aviation and tourism sectors die?

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