By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the temporary suspension of its “no pay, no service” directive earlier issued to airlines with outstanding statutory remittances, citing ongoing consultations and prevailing operational challenges in the aviation sector.

In a statement, the authority said the decision followed a review of industry conditions, particularly the rising cost of aviation fuel, which has placed significant financial pressure on domestic carriers and threatens overall sector stability.

However, the NCAA stressed that the suspension does not amount to a waiver, cancellation, or forgiveness of the debts owed by the affected airlines, noting that such decisions fall outside its regulatory mandate.

The agency recalled that President Bola  Tinubu had earlier approved a 30 per cent discount on outstanding statutory charges owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, as part of broader government efforts to cushion the impact of high Jet A1 fuel costs and stabilise the industry.

According to the NCAA, airlines remain fully responsible for settling their obligations, adding that it would engage operators individually to ensure compliance through structured repayment arrangements that do not disrupt operations.

The regulator also clarified the nature of the 5 per cent Ticket and Cargo Sales Charge, describing it as a statutory levy mandated by the Civil Aviation Act and embedded in the cost of air travel and cargo services.

It explained that the charge is collected by airlines at the point of ticket and cargo sales on behalf of the aviation system and must be remitted accordingly.

The organisation emphasised that the funds do not constitute revenue or profit for the airlines and should not be treated as such.

It further noted that the revenue from these charges is distributed among key aviation institutions, including the regulator itself and other service providers, all of which play vital roles in ensuring safe, efficient, and internationally compliant aviation operations.

It added that the NCAA operates on a cost-recovery basis and does not receive direct funding from the Federal Government for its routine regulatory activities, making timely remittance of statutory charges critical to sustaining its oversight functions.

The suspension of the enforcement directive, it said, is a measured step aimed at maintaining operational stability in the sector while reinforcing the obligation of airlines to remit collected charges.

The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to balancing regulatory enforcement with industry sustainability, warning that statutory funds already collected must be remitted for their intended purposes.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A new campaign designed to celebrate its passengers across the globe has been launched by Emirates Skywards, a statement from the company confirmed.

The promotion is known as Season of Rewards, and will run from May 21 to August 31, 2026, with beneficiaries getting different rewards for their patronage.

The Skywards Season of Rewards offers more savings with Cash+Miles on Emirates and flydubai, with members unlocking twice the savings, including enhanced Cash+Miles rates across the Emirates and flydubai network when booking flights and extras (excess baggage, lounge access and seat selection. The offer applies across all classes of travel, fare brands and destinations on both airlines. With the limited-time offer, 2,000 Skywards Miles can unlock savings of $30 instead of $15.

In addition, passengers will receive extra tier benefits for travel up until August 31, 2026. Members earn a 20 per cent bonus Tier Miles on every Emirates or flydubai flight, helping members move through the tiers faster. With reduced Tier Miles required during this period, it’s now even easier for members to renew or upgrade their membership status.

Also, they will get 50 per cent bonus Miles with travel partners, including Emirates Skywards Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Jumeirah and more. However, registration is required to participate, and bonus Miles will be credited within 60 days after the end of the offer period.

Further, Skywards members can book their next reward flight and extras with Miles, starting from 4,500 Miles instead of 9,000 Miles during the promo period across all routes, cabins and fares.

“Skywards Season of Rewards reflects our continued commitment to creating even more value for our members worldwide.

“Whether members are planning a family holiday, a Dubai stopover, a weekend escape, or simply looking to maximise rewards across their travel spend – this initiative unlocks more opportunities to earn, save and experience the world with Emirates Skywards,” the DSVP Emirates Skywards, Nejib Ben Khedher, said.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Members of the public, especially those using the Nigerian airports, have been assured of the efficiency of the robust preventive measures being put in place across all international airports in response to the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situation in parts of Central Africa.

This assurance was given by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire.

FAAN said it has intensified surveillance and monitoring of passengers, particularly those arriving from high-risk regions.

This, it stated, is being done in close collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other relevant agencies.

It was emphasised that passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols.

In addition, the agency said it has strengthened coordination with relevant stakeholders, enhanced staff sensitisation, and reinforced emergency response procedures to ensure swift action where necessary.

“While there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations.

“Passengers are advised to remain calm, comply with health screening procedures, and report any symptoms to health officials,” the statement said.