The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has concluded plans to begin a fresh investigation of about 25 international airlines operating in the country over issues bearing on exorbitant fares, unfair and deceptive practices.A top official of the Federal Ministry of Aviation disclosed to our correspondent on Thursday that the Federal Government had taken a decision on the matter and that NCAA "will start inviting all the foreign and local airlines operating international routes one after the other to face an investigative panel very soon."The source, who did not want his name to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, "The process has started. It is a wider and complete industry investigation of unfair and deceptive practices bearing on or involving airfares among the foreign airlines."The source explained that the comprehensive investigation followed complaints of high fares by passengers, including Nigerians in the diaspora.An official of NCAA, who confirmed the development, said a recent investigative report on United Kingdom mega carriers, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways, was just the first phase of the regulatory authoritys probe of all the foreign and local carriers operating in the country.The source explained that the investigation would include both foreign and indigenous carriers operating international routes."The process has started already. All the concerned airlines will be invited by NCAA very soon," the NCAA source said.Foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, which will be investigated include Lufthansa German Airlines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Continental Airlines.Others are Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, Afriquiyay Airlines, Asky Airlines, Middle East Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Turkish Airlines and Air Maroc.The indigenous carriers operating international routes are Arik Air, Air Nigeria and AeroContractor Airlines.A recent investigative report on BA and VAA by NCAA had created serious ripples in the aviation sector.A copy of the report seen by our correspondent had also indicated that the regulatory body would be carrying out an industry-wide investigation soon.As a result of the investigative report, the Federal Government had asked BA to pay $135m as fine, while VAA was also ordered to pay $100m. The two carriers have, however, denied the allegation and rejected the imposition of the fines.BA has served a pre-action notice on the NCAA, while awaiting the regulatory agencys response to its appeal.VAAs position on the matter has yet to be made known. The airlines representative in Nigeria, Chief John Adebanjo, said its position on the matter would be made known later. Complaints of shabby treatment of passengers and high fares have dominated the Nigerian airline industry for sometime now.
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