Ibom Air Denies Monopoly Claim At Akwa Ibom Airport

Ibom Air has denied claims that it controls access to Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo or blocks other airlines from operating there.

The Akwa Ibom State-owned airline said it does not exercise a monopoly over the airport and has no power to stop other carriers from using the facility. Its response followed renewed passenger complaints about limited flight options and high fares on the Lagos-Uyo route.

Premium Times reported that the debate grew after a passenger, George Essien, said he paid N227,000 for a Lagos to Uyo flight after failing to get a seat for three days. The airline’s spokesperson, Anietie Essienette, denied the monopoly allegation but the report noted that the statement did not directly answer passengers’ complaints about fares.

Channels Television also reported the denial, saying the airline rejected claims that it prevents other carriers from operating at the airport.

The issue matters beyond one airline. If passengers on the route have few alternatives, questions about airport access, ticket pricing and state-backed competition will keep coming up, even after Ibom Air’s denial.

Sources: Premium Times, Channels Television