Ms Stella Oduah, the Minister of Aviation, on Friday decried the hike in the fare charged by some airlines on Lagos-Abuja-London route.
A statement signed by Mr Jeo Obi, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, quoted her as saying that the development had created regional fare disparity and imbalance.
According to the statement, the ministry has investigated British Airways and Virgin Atlantic with respect to the discriminatory and unacceptable prices of air fares.
“The ministry condemns this practice and will take the necessary actions to protect Nigerian citizens from the exploitation that arises from a price regime that is restrictive and discriminatory.
“This is in spite of the fact that the Lagos-London Route is one of the highest and most lucrative yields which ought to attract one of the lowest fares in the region,’’ it quoted Oduah as saying.
The minister promised to direct the affected airlines to stop the act.
Oduah observed the inequitable treatment meted out to Arik Air in denying its fleet access into Heathrow Airport from Abuja.
“As a result, the airline has been compelled to discontinue its flight operations from Abuja to Heathrow which has impacted negatively on the passengers on this route.
“I want to assure Nigerians that appropriate action is being taken in this regard to redress the situation,’’ she said.