Ibom Air Denies Monopoly Claims, Says It Cannot Block Airlines From Uyo Airport

Ibom Air has rejected claims that it controls operations at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, or uses its position to stop other airlines from serving the airport.

The airline’s response follows reports questioning its strong market presence on the Uyo–Abuja and Uyo–Lagos routes. Ibom Air said it has no legal or regulatory authority to determine which airlines can operate from Uyo or any other Nigerian airport.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ibom Airlines Limited said the power to approve, regulate, suspend or permit airline operations rests with the relevant aviation authorities. It cited Section 8(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, which places responsibility for civil aviation regulation with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

The airline stressed that any carrier that satisfies the required regulatory and operational conditions and secures the necessary approvals cannot be stopped from operating by Ibom Air. It said its own decisions to suspend or adjust flights should not be confused with restricting competitors.

Ibom Air pointed to previous temporary suspensions of services to destinations including Enugu and Calabar, explaining that such decisions were driven by aircraft maintenance and other operational requirements. It also noted that factors such as aircraft availability, fuel supply, airport infrastructure, scheduling and regulatory requirements can influence flight operations without amounting to control of airport access.

The airline said it welcomes competition and believes passengers and the regional economy stand to benefit from a more competitive aviation market. According to the carrier, additional airlines operating from Uyo could provide travellers with more flight choices, competitive fares and schedules while increasing connectivity and passenger traffic across Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.

Ibom Air also acknowledged its position as the home-based carrier in Uyo but rejected any suggestion that this gives it ownership or control of Victor Attah International Airport. The airline said being based in Uyo does not give it the power to decide which other carriers can operate there.