..Stranded passengers evacuated as fuel costs surge
…FG pushes cashless airports, vows sector reforms
Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing significant disruption following the ongoing tensions linked to the Iran crisis, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, warning that critical international routes have been severely affected.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the minister said the crisis has grounded key transit routes used by Nigerian travelers, leaving thousands stranded and forcing airlines to adjust operations.
“The aviation sector is feeling the immediate impact of the crisis unfolding in the Middle East. Routes vital to Nigeria’s international air traffic have been disrupted over the past two weeks, leaving thousands of our citizens stranded abroad,” Keyamo said.
He explained that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern transit hubs, particularly through Dubai and Doha, worsened the situation as flight cancellations triggered widespread scheduling challenges.
According to him, although limited operations have resumed, the disruptions significantly affected travel to Europe, Asia, and other global destinations, impacting business, tourism, and family engagements.
Keyamo noted that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has coordinated evacuation efforts for stranded Nigerians.
Chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed that affected citizens are being safely escorted out of crisis zones, with full evacuation plans underway once tensions ease.
The minister also raised concerns over rising aviation fuel costs, stating that the crisis has triggered increases in global oil prices, directly impacting airlines operating in Nigeria.
“Jet fuel has no immediate alternative at scale. Any fluctuation in global energy prices affects airlines here instantly, influencing ticket pricing and operations,” he said.
On domestic reforms, Keyamo defended the Federal Government’s cashless payment policy at airports, describing it as a strategic move to enhance transparency and curb corruption.
He said the policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council, mandates that all airport revenues be collected electronically and remitted directly into the Treasury Single Account.
While acknowledging initial challenges, including passenger delays and resistance to electronic payments, the minister said a temporary hybrid system allowing both cash and digital payments has been introduced to ease the transition.
“The goal remains full automation. The hybrid approach is only a transitional measure to ensure smooth operations while Nigerians adapt,” he explained.
Keyamo further disclosed that reconstruction work on Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport is progressing, with a 22-month completion timeline set for the project being handled by a Chinese construction firm.
He admitted that a recent fire incident at the terminal caused minor setbacks but assured that it would not derail the overall redevelopment plan.
Describing the current period as critical, the minister said Nigeria’s aviation sector is at a crossroads, shaped by global crises, rising operational costs, and ongoing reforms.
“We are navigating a complex environment. The coming months will determine whether the sector emerges stronger or faces avoidable disruptions,” he said.
Keyamo urged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that long-term benefits of reforms—particularly in transparency, efficiency, and infrastructure—will outweigh current challenges.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring passenger safety, improving service delivery, and building a resilient aviation sector capable of withstanding global shocks.
