Ibom Air has dismissed claims that it controls operations at Victor Attah International Airport or prevents other airlines from operating from Uyo.
The home-based airline said it has no authority, mandate or regulatory power to stop another airline from operating from Uyo or any other airport in Nigeria.
Ibom Air explained that the responsibility for approving and regulating airline operations belongs to the appropriate aviation authorities.
The airline cited Section 8(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, which gives the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) responsibility for regulating civil aviation in Nigeria.
It said that where an airline meets the required regulatory and operational standards and obtains the necessary approvals, Ibom Air cannot prevent it from operating from Uyo.
Operational decisions are not monopoly
Ibom Air also urged the public to distinguish between an airline changing its own operations and preventing another airline from operating.
The airline said it has, at different times, temporarily suspended services to destinations such as Enugu and Calabar because of mandatory aircraft maintenance and other operational requirements.
According to Ibom Air, such decisions are part of its internal operations and should not be interpreted as an attempt to create or maintain a monopoly.
It also noted that issues such as aircraft availability, fuel logistics, airport infrastructure, flight schedules and regulatory requirements can affect the number and frequency of flights at an airport.
“These operational constraints do not mean that one airline controls access to the airport,” the airline said.
‘Ibom Air welcomes competition’
Ibom Air said it welcomes competition, arguing that a healthy and competitive aviation sector would benefit passengers and the wider economy.
The airline said more carriers operating from Uyo could provide:
•More travel options for passengers.
•Greater choice of schedules and fares.
•Better connectivity for Akwa Ibom and the South-South region.
•Increased passenger traffic at the airport.
•A stronger aviation sector and destination economy.
Ibom Air stressed that although it is proud to be the home-based carrier in Uyo, this position does not give it ownership or control of Victor Attah International Airport.
It said being the home-based carrier does not give Ibom Air the power to decide which other airlines can operate from the airport.
