NANTA tackles foreign airlines over dollar-only ticket sales

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has renewed its criticism of certain foreign airlines for their exclusive dollar-only ticket sales and city sales practices in Nigeria. Dr Yinka Folami, NANTA President, described these practices as disrespectful to Nigeria's sovereignty and in violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority's regulations.

While acknowledging some airlines' compliance with NCAA regulations, Folami urged others to follow suit to foster a more robust aviation industry in Nigeria. The association currently has around 4,000 members, with 1,274 IATA-certified members facing exclusion from direct trade with airlines due to their inability to conduct transactions in naira.

Only about 10% of airlines currently engage in dollar-only sales, but Folami argued that conducting transactions exclusively in foreign currency is unfair to local businesses and undermines the naira's value. NANTA has called on affected airlines and the Federal Government to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of giving travel agencies access to naira sales channels.

The association also praised foreign airlines that have appointed Nigerian General Sales Agents, viewing it as compliant with the regulatory framework and beneficial to the local travel trade.