Foreign Airlines: Nigerians to Buy Tickets in Dollars

Foreign airlines operating in Nigeria have agreed to charge Nigerians who want to fly abroad to buy their tickets in dollars. About 32 airlines have consented and says the dollar scarcity in the country is hurting their operations.

According to the report, the new development will begin on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

With the new ticketing system, international airlines on APG Interline Electronic Ticketing Agreements GP code 275 will be affected.

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The airlines involved South African Airways, South African Airways, Fly Dubai, Kenya Airways, Middle East Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Rwanda Air, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, French Bee, Egypt Air, ASKY, Air Seychelles, Air Algerie, and Air Namibia are among the notable airlines on the APG IET platforms.

These changes were made due to difficulties in repatriating airline funds that were stranded in Nigeria and other countries, as well as foreign exchange fluctuations.

The statement reads: “APG IET: Restrictions of Sales in US Dollars”.

“Dear travel partners, warm greetings from APG. This is to bring to your notice that with effect from April 19, 2022, GP would only accept issuing of tickets in US dollars
and not naira.

“This is mainly due to repatriation issues and the forex situation in the country. This would most likely be a temporary measure till the forex situation improves. Our sincere apologies for any inconveniences
this may cause to you and your business. Thank you for understanding”.

Meanwhile, experts noted that, if the airlines charge Nigerians in dollars, the Naira would suffer because travelers would be forced to purchase tickets in dollars on the black market. The Naira traded over N590 to the dollar at the close of Wednesday’s black market session, and it might reach the N600/$ level if the airlines’ plan proceeds.