Dana Air Cries Over Hike Airport Charges …Begins Daily Flights From Lagos To Owerri

Dana Air Cries Over Hike Airport Charges
…Begins Daily Flights From Lagos To Owerri

ZAINAB JUNAID ELESHO

Just as Dana Air commenced daily flights from Lagos to Owerri with an introductory online fare of N12, 600 one way, the airline lamented over the challenges facing domestic airlines which includes hike in fuel price, multiple charges and high exchange rate among others.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos today, the airline's Accountable Manager, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo complain about the multiple charges paid by domestic airlines in the country and the negative impact it has on the operations of these airlines.

To him, “These charges have drastic negative impact and if it can be merged or eliminated, it will help the present situation of airlines. As it stands, airlines pay a statutory charge, which is fine, but some other charges, which the airlines need to grapple with, are not even applicable in other climes.’’

He cited cases where airlines peg fares in naira and have to pay for necessary maintenance in hard currency as one of the challenges facing airlines in the country.

Secondly, he continued that "For us as an airline, we are concerned about providing affordable regional air transport services and we will be happy if the government can enter favorable agreements and create policies that will favor domestic airlines so that the burden  will generally reduced on the flying public. This is because flyers bear the burden mostly through fare.”

On another development, the airline's vision, Mbanuzuo said remains to be recognised and respected as Nigeria’s most reliable and customer-friendly airline’ and her mission is ‘to earn the loyalty and respect of its customers by consistently demonstrating its commitment to service and providing affordable regional air transport services that focus on innovation, quality and service excellence.

Obi confirmed that Dana Air currently operates daily flights to Abuja, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Uyo and that the airline will extend its operations to other cities in Nigeria as part of its strategic route expansion plans.
He stated that the airline was committed to providing safe, reliable and pocket friendly service to the flying public.

‘’ We commenced daily flights from Lagos to Owerri and back with an online fare we feel will be suitable for all. The fare is just our way of thanking our loyal guests on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Uyo routes for visiting our websitewww.flydanaair.com daily to book their tickets," he maintained.