Nigeria’s aviation sector hits turbulence

Nigeria may consider itself a regional aviation hub but years of mismanagement and now recession have blighted domestic airline operations, making delays and cancellations the norm. Industry experts say the sector needs a fundamental overhaul, pointing to opaque management practices, rampant corruption and risks for passengers from security and dilapidated infrastructure. Arik Air, which has a 60% share of domestic flights and is the country’s biggest private carrier, has found itself increasingly in the firing line of disgruntled passengers. Other domestic operators are struggling. Aero Contractors, the second biggest carrier, stopped services for 4 months because of “serious financial difficulties”. According to one aviation security consultant, most Nigerian airlines run their businesses like a grocery store. <br/>