According to the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, “the new charges were approved after extensive consultative meetings with all relevant stakeholders including Aviation Ground Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Airline Operators Committee (AOC).”
The NCAA explained that the Safety Threshold Ground Handling Charges reflect market realities and close rank with applicable charges within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
“All Stakeholders are invited to note the new Ground Handling Rates for international and domestic operations will become effective on 1st October 2021 and 1st January 2022 respectively.”
The charges cover Light Weight Aircraft sizes with maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of less than 15T; as well as aircraft with maximum take-off weight above 15T but less than 20T.
The new rates have sparked mixed reactions among ground handlers, airline operators and industry observers.
Ethiopian is among African airlines with high frequency to Nigeria