The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has criticised the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over its interim report, which alleges an airfare hike by domestic airlines.

The AON described the FCCPC’s claim as harmful to the survival of airlines and based on a flawed understanding of the industry’s economics.

The reaction followed the FCCPC’s disclosure on February 26 that it uncovered evidence suggesting local airlines manipulated ticket prices during the 2025 yuletide period.

Reacting in a statement, the spokesperson of Airline Operators of Nigeria and Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Obiorah Okonkwo, stated that local airlines respect government institutions but would resist conclusions not grounded in operational realities.

Furthermore, he stated that the commission does not possess the professional expertise to dabble into how prices are fixed and as such the report was only an attempt to play to the gallery.

“They don’t know the economics of airlines and do not possess the professional expertise to dabble into how prices are fixed,” Okonkwo stated.

“They don’t understand airline operations, and as far as the AON is concerned, they are playing to the gallery and should not be taken seriously. We have immense respect for all government agencies, but we would not accept any statement not based on realities or facts.

“I have not read the details of the report, but what the FCCPC is doing is very detrimental to the survival of domestic operators,” he added.

During Yuletide, some domestic airlines raised ticket prices to some routes, especially the South-East and South-South regions, by over 131 per cent.

Commenting on the release of the interim report, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, has said that the review was part of the Commission’s statutory responsibility to promote competitive markets and safeguard consumers.

“This assessment is intended to provide clarity on pricing behaviour during predictable peak travel periods. The Commission’s role is not to disrupt legitimate commercial activity, but to ensure that market outcomes remain consistent with competition and consumer protection principles under the law,” Bello was quoted as saying in a statement on the agency’s X page.

He also noted that the Commission was conducting further structural and route-level analysis before reaching any conclusions.

“It is important to emphasise that this is an interim report. Our next action will be dictated by the full facts established at the end of the review exercise. Then, the Commission will decide whether any regulatory guidance, engagement, or enforcement steps are necessary, strictly in accordance with the law,” he added. (Channels TV)