The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned airline operators to stop arbitrary increase of miscellaneous charges on air ticket without its approval.

NCAA wants airlines to file any proposed add-on charges, surcharges or other charges with it immediately.

Airlines proposing increased charges must also justify any increases filed before the NCAA, which approves charges on all flights within Nigeria or those originating from Nigeria to international routes.

"In requesting for approval of any add-on charges or surcharge, an air carrier is required to provide justifiable basis for the proposed increment with a consideration of all relevant factors including a new linear rationalisation for the specific aggregated costs sought to be recovered and consumer interests," said Sam Adurogboye, general manager for public affairs at the NCAA.

NCAA says any proposed increase will also take into account changes in prices of aviation fuel, the relevant hedging policies of the air carrier, the justifications provided by the air carrier and other relevant factors.

Airlines will also have to ensure revenue so generated would not exceed the additional fuel costs borne by the airline operators during the corresponding period. "Any further breach would attract the appropriate sanctions," NCAA warned.