Airfares on major domestic routes in Nigeria have soared by as much as 150 per cent, with ticket prices crossing the N300,000 mark as airlines struggle to cope with the heavy passenger traffic associated with the Yuletide season and a nationwide shortage of serviceable aircraft.
Fresh Facts investigations revealed that the highest spikes were recorded on flights to the South-South and South-East, regions that traditionally witness a surge in passenger movement during the festive period. Although ticket prices typically rise at this time of year due to increased demand, many passengers say this year’s fares have become unbearably high amid the country’s harsh economic realities.
Before the festive season, a typical one-way domestic flight averaged N120,000. But airfare checks on Tuesday showed steep increases across carriers, with prices now fluctuating between N240,000 and N430,000, depending on the destination and travel date.
Prices Surge on Key Routes
On Air Peace’s booking platform, a one-way economy ticket from Lagos to Asaba has risen from about N120,000 to over N300,000, peaking at N337,500 between December 24 and 29. Passengers travelling from Abuja to Asaba are being charged N335,500 between December 23 and 28.
Aero Contractors priced its December 24 Lagos–Asaba flight at N238,452, while United Nigeria Airlines listed fares between N335,499 and N399,999 on similar routes.
Flights to other South-East destinations also recorded sharp increases. Air Peace’s Lagos–Enugu route costs between N335,500 and N430,700 during December 28–29, while its Abuja–Enugu flights sell for N335,500 between December 24–28.
Lagos–Calabar flights on Aero Contractors range from N151,786 to N187,976, while United Nigeria sells Lagos–Benin tickets for N335,499, adding another N10,000 on December 31.
United Nigeria’s Lagos–Anambra ticket sells for N399,999 on December 17, with earlier dates already sold out. Owerri-bound flights from Lagos fluctuate between N335,499 and N499,998 from mid-December.
Passengers Consider Road Travel Despite Insecurity
Some travellers say they are now considering road transportation due to the steep airfares, even though many still prefer flying to avoid the security challenges plaguing several highways.
Industry operators, however, insist that multiple operational obstacles are driving the cost surge—not just demand.
Aircraft Shortage, Multiple Charges Blamed
Airline executives say the persistent shortage of aircraft has worsened the situation. Many Nigerian airlines have planes stuck in foreign Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
Aero Contractors’ Chief Financial Officer, Charles Grant, recently disclosed in a paper that Nigerian airlines collectively operate with only 38 serviceable aircraft—a revelation he described as “one of the clearest signs” that the sector needs urgent intervention.
He blamed multiple taxes and what he termed “punitive government policies” for the dwindling fleet numbers.
“Today, most Nigerian airlines operate with just four to six active aircraft, despite national demand. That’s not a choice; it’s the result of punitive economics,” Grant said.
Air Peace Battles Fleet Disruptions
Nigeria’s biggest airline, Air Peace, also confirmed experiencing significant operational disruptions in recent weeks after its lessor, SmartLynx Airlines, “abruptly and unjustifiably” withdrew three wet-leased aircraft without notice.
According to the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, the wet-lease arrangement was meant to cushion the impact of having 13 Air Peace aircraft undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad.
He assured passengers that some aircraft have completed maintenance and will return to service soon.
Experts React
Aviation experts say the fare hikes are consistent with seasonal patterns but admit that capacity shortfalls have worsened the situation.
President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Nwuba, confirmed that Air Peace’s recent disruptions cost the industry about 300 seats per day, though he noted that returning aircraft and the entry of two new airlines may help ease the pressure.
“Consumers should still expect higher fares, as this is traditionally the seasonal pattern,” he said. “But increased travel supports tourism and boosts confidence in aviation.”
Former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Harold Demuren, urged the Federal Government to support local carriers by renegotiating Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) that put Nigerian airlines at a disadvantage.
“In BASA, both parties must benefit,” he said. “You can’t be wrong supporting your own.”
Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo described the spike as seasonal but advised airlines to invest in staff welfare to ensure efficient handling of the holiday surge in passenger volume.
