Airfare Crackdown Begins
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia (27-04-2026) — The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen oversight of airline pricing, promote fair competition, and improve consumer protection in Zambia’s aviation sector.
The agreement, signed at the CAA Head Office, establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the two institutions in regulating the aviation market and addressing consumer concerns.
CCPC Executive Director Mrs. Eunice Phiri Hamavhungwa said the MoU reflects a shared commitment to a fair and competitive aviation industry. She said it is aimed at ensuring “the wings of commerce in our skies operate under the highest standards of integrity.”
She noted that aviation plays a key role in trade, tourism, and connectivity, adding that increased liberalisation requires stronger safeguards to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices.
Mrs. Hamavhungwa said the agreement aligns with international and regional frameworks, including International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the Yamoussoukro Decision, and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), all of which promote liberalised air services alongside fair competition.
She also said the MoU is supported by Zambia’s legal framework governing aviation and competition regulation, which provides for market oversight, tariff regulation, and consumer protection.
The framework provides for cooperation in information sharing, market monitoring, joint investigations where necessary, handling of consumer complaints, and capacity building. She said this will help address issues such as abuse of dominance, price fixing, and unfair trading practices.
She stressed that both institutions will remain independently mandated despite the strengthened collaboration.
CAA Director General Captain Derrick F. Luembe said the partnership marks a significant step in improving regulatory coordination in the aviation sector. He said aviation remains a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and regional integration.
Captain Luembe said the MoU is grounded in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, which empowers the CCPC to prevent anti-competitive behaviour and protect consumers.
He said the collaboration will enhance transparency in airfares, improve complaint handling, and strengthen regulatory consistency. It will also support investment, efficiency, and innovation in the sector.
He added that a Joint Working Committee will be established to facilitate technical cooperation, including joint market studies, investigations, and information sharing.
Captain Luembe warned that anti-competitive practices such as price fixing and abuse of dominance distort markets and harm consumers.
He clarified that the MoU does not introduce price controls or regulate airfares, stating that pricing remains determined by market forces such as demand, operating costs, and airline business models.
On rising operational costs, particularly fuel, he said global geopolitical factors have contributed to increased aviation fuel prices, which remain a major cost driver in the industry.
Mrs. Hamavhungwa also reiterated that the agreement is not about controlling prices but ensuring fair competition and transparency in market conduct.
Captain Luembe reaffirmed the CAA’s commitment to working with the CCPC and other stakeholders to promote a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused aviation sector.
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