NIRO RESPONDS TO RECENT CLAIMS REGARDING COMPETITION AT BANJUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Banjul, The Gambia | 24 September 2026

NIRO Company Limited has taken note of recent media reports concerning statements attributed to employees of Gambia International Airlines (GIA) regarding NIRO’s operations at Banjul International Airport.

NIRO respects the right of every worker to raise concerns about employment and working conditions. However, we strongly believe that allegations against a Gambian company should be supported by facts and evidence.

NIRO is not responsible for the challenges facing GIA. We entered the market as a duly authorised Gambian company and have competed for business by investing in equipment, people, training and service delivery.

Airlines are commercial customers and have the right to choose their service providers based on safety, quality, reliability, operational performance and price. Competition should encourage every operator to improve rather than restrict customer choice.

NIRO therefore rejects the suggestion that offering competitive prices constitutes unfair competition. Our prices are based on our operating costs, investments and commercial agreements with our airline customers.

We also take seriously the allegations regarding government officials allegedly holding interests in NIRO. These are serious claims. If anyone has credible evidence of such interests or any improper conduct, we encourage them to present that evidence to the appropriate authorities. NIRO is prepared to cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation.

At the same time, allegations should not be presented as established facts without evidence.

NIRO has invested significantly in aviation services in The Gambia and continues to employ and train Gambians while developing its operations at Banjul International Airport.

We have no interest in seeing GIA workers lose their livelihoods. They are our fellow Gambians. However, the legitimate concerns of employees should not be used to make NIRO the scapegoat for the commercial or operational challenges of another company.

Our position is simple:

Let both companies compete fairly.

Let the regulator apply the same standards to everyone.

And let performance, safety, service quality and customer satisfaction speak for themselves.

NIRO remains committed to The Gambia, to the development of Banjul International Airport and to building a stronger and more competitive aviation sector.

NIRO is open to any media houses who wish to obtain information about our operations and service delivery at Banjul International Airport.

NIRO Management

Banjul International Airport