Aviation experts have supported Emirates Airlines’ decision to sell tickets in dollars for Nigerian passengers, pointing to the airline’s dollar-based expenses and funds trapped in the country.
They argue that the move is a practical response to Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, especially for foreign airlines.
According to The PUNCH, a member of the Aviation Round Table, Olumide Ohunayo that the inconsistency in Nigeria’s aviation policies and the need for airlines to pay for services in dollars make enforcing naira-denominated ticket prices difficult.
“Emirates comes here, and they pay for services at the International Airport to agencies in dollars. They pay for fuel in dollars,” Ohunayo explained. “If government agencies are charging them in dollars for services rendered, why shouldn’t they also sell tickets in dollars?”
He added that airlines have suffered significant financial losses due to exchange rate fluctuations and blocked funds in Nigeria.
Ohunayo also pointed out that, in some cases, tickets priced in dollars are cheaper than those sold in naira.
“I recently checked with Emirates, and their dollar-denominated tickets were cheaper than another airline’s tickets priced in naira,” he noted. “You can’t force airlines to charge in naira when they are paying for everything in dollars.”
President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokoma highlighted that customers should have the option to choose between paying in naira or dollars.
“There’s a channel for complaints, like the NCAA,” Nwokoma said. “Buying tickets in naira or dollars should be a choice. People who purchase tickets online often use their dollar cards, so they can make that decision.”
He warned, however, that mandating dollar payments for all tickets could disrupt the system, especially for customers using local channels. “If all airlines in Nigeria insist on ticket sales in dollars, it could create major problems. But any concerns should be addressed through the appropriate channels,” Nwokoma advised.
The CEO of Centurion Security Limited,John Ojikutu echoed this sentiment, saying it is reasonable for foreign airlines to charge in dollars, given that they pay for services at Nigerian airports in the same currency.
“Foreign airlines pay for services in dollars here. It was inevitable they would start charging customers in dollars,” Ojikutu commented.
He added that Nigeria stands to lose significantly if foreign airlines like Emirates exit the market again, noting, “That’s why we saw efforts to bring Emirates back after they left temporarily.”
Ojikutu also raised concerns about the management of funds collected by Nigerian aviation agencies, estimating that Nigeria generates about $2 billion annually from foreign airlines. “Where is the dollar? That’s the question we should be asking FAAN, NAMA, NCAA, and fuel marketers,” he concluded.
Recent discussions between Emirates and the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies have focused on finding a balance. NANTA is advocating for Emirates to offer passengers the choice to pay in naira, even if the airline continues charging in dollars.
