By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
An APC stalwart in Cross River State, Dr Peter Iyali, has urged Governor Bassey Otu and airline operators to reduce airfares to Calabar, warning that high ticket prices could undermine efforts to revive the state’s tourism industry.
Iyali, in a commentary, said he spent about N1.4 million on approximately three return trips between Abuja and Calabar in the past month.
He cited a recent return ticket on Green Africa between Abuja and Lagos costing N197,000, compared with fares of about N168,000 for the cheapest flights he had recently found to Calabar from Abuja or Lagos.
He argued that the high cost of flying to Calabar could discourage tourists, especially when neighbouring destinations offer more affordable alternatives.
Citing Akwa Ibom State, Iyali said Ibom Air had contributed to tourism growth by improving connectivity and offering relatively affordable fares to Uyo.
He also raised concerns over allegations that airlines sometimes withhold cheaper tickets while advertising flights as fully booked, despite some seats remaining unoccupied.
Iyali called on the Cross River State Government, Aero Contractors and ValueJet to work towards making flights to Calabar more affordable.
He said improved transportation infrastructure must be matched with affordable fares if the state hopes to strengthen its tourism industry and attract more visitors.
