The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has strongly criticised the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over its interim report alleging that domestic airlines engaged in price fixing.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Obiorah Okonkwo, the association described the FCCPC’s claims as damaging to the survival of local carriers and rooted in a poor understanding of the aviation industry’s economic realities.

The reaction follows the commission’s February 26 disclosure that it found indications suggesting that some local airlines manipulated ticket prices during the 2025 festive season.

Okonkwo noted that while domestic operators respect government institutions, they would challenge any conclusions that are not aligned with the operational realities of the airline business.

He further argued that the FCCPC lacks the professional expertise to determine how airline ticket prices are set, insisting that the report appears to be an attempt to appeal to public sentiment.

According to him, the commission does not fully grasp the economics and operational dynamics of airline pricing, and therefore its findings should not be regarded as authoritative.

Earlier, the FCCPC had stated that its recent review revealed patterns of alleged ticket price manipulation by certain local airlines in the country.