Ethiopian Airlines Among Foreign Carriers Owing Nigeria $12.9 million, Lawmakers Threaten Action

EBR_News Mar 13, 2026

By Betegbar Yaregal

Ethiopian Airlines is among 11 foreign carriers facing potential sanctions in Nigeria after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) disclosed that international airlines owe the agency approximately USD 12.9 million(N18.98 billion) in outstanding service charges.

The FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, revealed the debt while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on Tuesday, listing Ethiopian Airlines alongside Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, EgyptAir, Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, and Africa World Airlines as indebted operators, the Guardian reported.

Ethiopian Airlines specifically owes over USD 714,000 or N1 billion across various categories of current and outstanding payments, according to the FAAN presentation. Kuku explained that airlines are expected to settle charges within two weeks, but noted that several operators have exceeded that period, with some debts spanning 30 days, 90 days, and in certain cases over a year.

The debt profile represents service charges collected through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) settlement platform. Kuku noted that the liabilities are “dynamic” because they operate as “rolling balances,” meaning new charges accumulate while older debts are gradually settled.

Lawmakers expressed strong displeasure during the session, questioning why defaulting airlines have not been sanctioned or grounded. The House Committee on Finance directed FAAN to recover the full amount within two weeks and provide detailed documentation for all listed carriers. Committee Chairman Hon. James Abiodun Faleke warned that airlines failing to clear the debt may be formally invited to appear before the House to explain their outstanding liabilities.

“We need every kobo that belongs to this country,” Faleke stated, emphasizing that stronger enforcement mechanisms must be implemented.

The disclosure comes amid broader operational challenges for foreign carriers in Nigeria. Turkish Airlines separately threatened this week to consider canceling its Nigeria operations following picketing of its offices in Lagos and Abuja by aviation workers over a labor dispute.

FAAN explained that international airline payments are processed through a global clearing system managed by IATA, which sometimes introduces settlement delays. The agency monitors debt aging and begins stricter engagement once liabilities exceed 30 days, with debts above 90 days attracting stronger enforcement measures.

The committee has directed FAAN to implement stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent future accumulation of large debts and ensure full revenue recovery for the Nigerian government.