Airfares jump by 200% ahead of festive season

Airfares in Nigeria are set to soar by nearly 200% ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, according to recent data from airline booking platforms. This sharp increase in ticket prices will impact flights connecting major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and various destinations in the South-East and South-South regions.

Economy tickets on routes such as Lagos-Asaba and Lagos-Enugu have seen substantial hikes, with some airlines raising fares by up to 208%. For instance, Aero Contractors increased its Lagos-Asaba economy fare from N106,286 on November 9 to N327,940 for December 20, representing an increase of about 208%. Similarly, Air Peace raised its Lagos-Asaba fare from N118,400 to N337,500 for December 21.

Other airlines, including United Nigeria Airlines and Aero Contractors, have also increased their fares on routes like Abuja-Benin. The Abuja-Benin fare by Aero Contractors rose from N117,627 to N196,522. The increases are particularly concerning as they bring back worries about the affordability of domestic air travel, especially for those who rely on flights to visit relatives during the holiday season.

These fare hikes have reignited concerns raised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in January, which accused some airlines of price-fixing during the 2025 Christmas season. The FCCPC's findings indicated that fares during that period were significantly higher than post-holiday prices on several routes, despite relatively stable operating costs.

Passengers are calling on airlines to consider the current economic situation, stating that these hikes are becoming increasingly difficult for many to afford.