Travellers across Nigeria are experiencing a sharp increase in domestic flight prices, with some one-way tickets rising by approximately 150%, now exceeding N300,000.
The surge is attributed to heightened demand during the Christmas season and a critical shortage of operational aircraft among domestic carriers.
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Routes to the South-South and South-East regions, traditionally busy during festive periods, are most affected.
For comparison, economy tickets that previously cost around N120,000 have jumped dramatically:
Lagos to Asaba (Air Peace): N337,500 (Dec 24–29)
Abuja to Asaba (Air Peace): N335,500 (Dec 23–28)
Lagos to Asaba (United Nigeria Airlines): N399,999
Abuja to Asaba (United Nigeria Airlines): N335,499–N360,499
Other popular destinations such as Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Benin are also experiencing fares above N300,000.
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Industry insiders attribute the surge to a severe shortage of serviceable aircraft. Many Nigerian planes are grounded for maintenance abroad, leaving airlines with limited capacity.
Charles Grant, CFO of Aero Contractors, revealed that Nigerian airlines collectively operate with only 38 serviceable aircraft, often leaving just 4–6 active planes per carrier.
He blamed high taxes and unfriendly government policies for the limited fleet availability.
“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 stated.
Former NCAA Director-General Harold Demuren called on the government to renegotiate one-sided Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) to protect local carriers.
Analyst Olumide Ohunayo added that airlines must focus on the welfare of both staff and passengers to maintain professional service during the high-demand season.
