Passengers Lament as Air Peace, United Nigeria Jack Up Ticket Prices to Over N300,000
- Some Nigerian airlines have raised ticket prices ahead of the Christmas season, with fares now exceeding N330,000 on some routes.
- Many passengers have expressed frustration over the sharp hike, with some considering road travel despite the insecurity in the country
- Aviation experts explained that the increase is driven by demand-and-supply dynamics, as holiday traffic to the region is mostly one-way
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
Some Nigerian airlines have increased flight fares to the South-East and South-South by as much as 131% in preparation for the Christmas and New Year season.
These fare adjustments, which typically begin around December 1, occur months ahead of the peak holiday rush when demand for air travel usually increases.
Source: UGC
Recall that Air Peace recently announced plans to raise its one-way economy ticket from Lagos to Asaba in Delta State from N147,000 to N337,500.
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Similarly, flights from Lagos to Enugu and Benin now cost N335,500, up from N145,000, while Abuja to Benin also jumped to N335,500.
United Nigeria Airlines, which recently commenced regional flight operations, is set to adjust its Lagos–Enugu route from N125,500 to N335,500 starting December 11.
Tickets from Lagos to Owerri and Asaba on the same airline will also rise to N335,500. However, Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom State government, has so far maintained stable ticket prices.
Passengers lament looming ticket price hike
Some travellers expressed concern over the steep hike, with many considering road transport despite the insecurity challenges.
A frequent flyer, Mr Michael Onwusa, said:
“I cannot imagine paying this huge amount for myself, my wife and our two kids to travel to Imo. I will ensure my car is in good condition so I can drive for our Christmas holiday.”
Another traveller, Tina Ikwuogu, said:
“This is huge. I have not travelled by road to Enugu in a while, and I cannot afford to do that during the Yuletide. Even if it means borrowing to fund my travel plans, I will do that because I cannot afford not to reunite with my people.”
Airlines give reason for pending price hike
Roland Iyayi, a trustee of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), explained that the pricing was based on economic realities, especially demand and supply.
According to him, holiday traffic to the Southeast is largely one-way, meaning airlines often return with fewer passengers. To cover costs, ticket prices are adjusted accordingly.
He said:
"What it means is that the demand is usually in one direction. If an airline takes maybe 100 passengers to that destination, it comes back with maybe about 20 passengers. Now, because the price is in one direction, each seat has to be priced in such a way that the yield from one direction would fairly cover the operating costs."
Source: UGC
He noted that fares reflect the peculiarities of the season as airlines price flights almost like charters during Christmas, where the cost of both legs of the trip is factored into one-way fares.
Enugu Air begins operation in Nigeria
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Enugu State has officially launched its own commercial airline, marking a major step in Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to position the state as a leading aviation hub.
The airline commenced operations with three Embraer aircraft, flying routes that link Enugu with key Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
According to the state government, Enugu Air is a central part of its broader transport development plan, designed to create a modern, multimodal system that strengthens connectivity and drives economic growth in the region.
Source: Legit.ng
