Operators React as Keyamo Suspends $300 Helicopter Landing Levy

• The federal government’s decision to suspend the $300 levy on helicopter landings has been welcomed by operators
• Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, announced the temporary suspension following protests and is awaiting further action pending a review committee’s report

Operators have welcomed the federal government’s decision to suspend the contentious $300 levy imposed on helicopter landings.

The suspension follows widespread protests against the levy, prompting the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to announce its temporary suspension.

Initially defended by Keyamo’s predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika, the levy faced backlash from helicopter operators, leading to the decision to suspend it.

In a statement by the ministry’s spokesman, Odutayo Oluseyi, Keyamo stated that further actions would await the submission and scrutiny of a review committee’s report.

Aero Contractors CEO, Captain Ado Sanusi, praised the government’s responsiveness, noting that the suspension demonstrates its willingness to listen to stakeholders. Sanusi emphasized that the levy could have hindered the growth of general aviation, including helicopter operations.