With barely four months to the Christmas holiday season, air passengers are already bracing for tough times as domestic carriers, Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, have raised their return ticket fares to ₦677,000 on select routes.
The increase signals the beginning of what is expected to be a challenging travel season, as airlines adjust fares in anticipation of the annual surge in passenger demand.
Key Highlights
- Fares climb to ₦677,000: The new ticket price marks a sharp rise in domestic airfares ahead of the Yuletide.
- Early surge in demand: Industry analysts say the hike reflects early booking pressures, with airlines leveraging the expected rush.
- Travelers to bear the cost: Passengers may face even higher fares as December approaches, especially on busy South-East and South-South routes.
The development underscores the widening gap between demand and affordability in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Traditionally, the weeks leading up to Christmas see a sharp increase in airfares as Nigerians in the diaspora and across the country plan trips to their hometowns.
For many travelers, particularly families, the hike represents an additional financial burden at a time of general economic hardship, inflation, and rising living costs.
Aviation stakeholders warn that unless competition or government intervention moderates pricing, fares could climb further in the coming weeks, making road transport the only option for many Nigerians despite security concerns.
