COVID-19 and Domestic Airlines Operations in Nigeria: The Emerging Issues

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate how the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the operational performance of Nigeria domestic airlines. The study adopted a survey approach with a population of Six Hundred and Fifty-Five (655) respondents drawn randomly from full-time employees (Station Managers, Pilots, Engineers, Cabin crew and Baggage Handlers) of the five domestic airlines, Air Peace, Azman, Arik Air, Aero Contractor and Dana Airline operating at Murtala Mohammed and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airports and a descriptive statistic was specified using Logistics Regression model. The study found that the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic affects operations, revenue, the attitude of the customer, and labor turnover of skilled professionals and ultimately affects the optimal performance of domestic airlines. It was recommended that the management of domestic airlines put up effective strategies for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in view of its impact on the operations of domestic airlines. The a irline ope r a t o r s should s tr eng then the implementation of COVID-19 pandemic health safety protocols since it has an impact on the confidence of the flying public and that the management of domestic airlines should explore alternative means of funding to meet up with their financial requirements since the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on the revenue base of domestic airlines in Nigeria. The study concluded that for Nigerian domestic airlines to sustain their airline businesses, it is imperative that sound strategies for the management of COVID-19 impact be put in place to assure the revamping and continuous flight operation, increased revenue generation, redeeming the confidence of air passengers and retention/r e - engagement of technical/skilled professionals.