Former NCAA DG Harold Demuren has warned that Nigerian airlines are failing to fully exploit the lucrative Lagos–London route, allowing foreign carriers to dominate and siphon revenue from the country.

Speaking at a Lagos lecture, Demuren cited limited fleet capacity, infrastructure, and operational readiness as key barriers for domestic airlines. He described the route as “one of the highest-yield international routes,” critical for business travel, diaspora movement, and trade.

He urged the government and airlines to strengthen capacity through partnerships, renegotiate Bilateral Air Service Agreements for fairer access, and explore new international routes beyond Europe.

The administration has pledged support, including access to aircraft, regulatory backing, and capacity building, aiming to ensure Nigerian airlines retain more revenue and expand their global presence. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.