The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Monday assured air travellers that fares would not be hiked during the forthcoming Christmas season.

The President of AON, Capt. Nogie Meggison, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

“We will not hike air fares during the yuletide period. We just want our passengers to know that we are available for business.

“We are ready for the influx of passengers. The more the passengers, the better for us.”

According to him, the airlines are working with various aviation agencies towards ensuring that air travellers enjoyed smooth flight during the period.

He told NAN that airline operators had held series of meetings to find ways of reducing the cost of operations.

“We are working on it to see how we can open a clearing house where we all can share passengers but we are in Nigeria where the credit system is still very dicey.”

He advised government to formulate policies that would support the growth of the aviation sector.

The president also called on government to review Nigeria's Bilateral Air Services Agreements to engender the growth of local airlines. (NAN)

•Photo shows AON President, Capt. Nogie Meggison.