Illicit Business Charters Persist in Nigeria Despite Crackdown

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In Nigeria, private jet operators are allegedly continuing to use aircraft registered for private operations to conduct commercial charters, despite federal efforts to curb such practices. According to an investigative report by Sahara Reporters, operators including Mounthill Aviation Resources (MHH, Abuja) and SkyBird Air (KYC, Lagos) have been identified as offenders.

“Despite directives from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo prohibiting the use of private-registered jets for charter operations, these activities remain widespread,” an anonymous source within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) told the outlet.

The report highlighted 11 aircraft allegedly used for unauthorized commercial charters:

  • Legacy 600s: 5N-ONC (Jet Support Services), 5N-LRK (Skyjet Aviation Services), and 5N-FZE (privately operated).
  • Legacy 650: 5N-SJI (privately operated).
  • BAe-125-800A: 5N-BMT (Gyro Air).
  • Hawker 800XPs: 5N-CDM (Mounthill Aviation Resources) and 5N-AMK (Flints Aero Service).
  • Hawker 850XP: 5N-SPL (Jet Support Services).
  • Challenger 604: 5N-EGL (Elin Group).
  • Challenger 605: 5N-ARA (privately operated).
  • One unidentified aircraft registered as 5N-ELE.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs Michael Achimugu confirmed that the agency would investigate the named operators and advised the public to report violations.

Earlier in 2025, the NCAA grounded ten private jet operators, including SkyBird Air, for unauthorized commercial activities. Aircraft used commercially are subject to additional taxes and stricter safety inspections. This ongoing issue underscores the challenges of enforcing aviation regulations in Nigeria’s lucrative private jet market.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Airlines

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com

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