Industry data show the sharpest increases on routes to Asaba, Enugu, Benin, Calabar and Port Harcourt—destinations that typically experience heavy traffic during the Yuletide. Even by the standards of Nigeria’s seasonal travel demand, passengers say this year’s fare surge is severe, worsened by inflationary pressures and limited airline capacity.
Before the festive period, domestic fares averaged about N120,000. But fresh pricing on airline websites this week shows dramatic increases.
- Lagos–Asaba on Air Peace has risen to over N300,000, peaking at N337,500 between December 24–29.
- Abuja–Asaba fares on the same carrier range between N335,500 and N240,000 depending on the date.
- United Nigeria Airlines lists tickets from N335,499 up to N399,999 on Lagos–Asaba and Abuja–Asaba flights.
- Lagos–Enugu seats on Air Peace cost N335,500–N430,700, while Lagos–Port Harcourt remains around N335,500 during peak days.
- Aero Contractors’ Lagos–Calabar route ranges from N151,786 to N187,976.
Some of the most expensive flights are barely 40 minutes long—highlighting how scarcity, not distance, is driving costs. Many travellers still choose air transport to avoid lengthy road journeys and worsening security concerns nationwide. As prices continue to climb, however, more passengers are reluctantly considering road travel despite associated risks.
Capacity Crunch and Economic Pressures
Airline operators attribute the spike to a significant reduction in available aircraft—a challenge worsened by maintenance backlogs and the grounding of several fleets abroad. Multiple airline executives cite heavy taxation and unfavourable policies as long-standing impediments, further weakening the industry’s ability to meet demand.
Aero Contractors’ Chief Financial Officer, Charles Grant, recently disclosed that Nigerian carriers collectively operate only 38 serviceable aircraft, calling the situation “punitive economics.” He argued that most airlines manage just four to six active aircraft, far below market needs.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, acknowledged weeks of operational disruptions after its lessor, SmartLynx Airlines, abruptly withdrew four wet-leased aircraft despite advance payment. Thirteen Air Peace aircraft are also undergoing scheduled maintenance overseas. The airline says several planes are now returning to service, which may gradually ease capacity constraints.
Expert Views: “Seasonal but Strained”
Dr. Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, confirmed that capacity gaps are driving up fares but emphasized that airlines are actively working to stabilize operations. He noted that Air Peace’s returning aircraft and the imminent launch of two new carriers could bolster available seats in the coming weeks.
“Consumers should still expect higher fares, as this is traditionally the seasonal pattern,” he said. “But increased travel is positive for tourism and confidence in the aviation sector.”
Former NCAA Director-General Harold Demuren urged the Federal Government to support carriers by renegotiating one-sided Bilateral Air Service Agreements that disadvantage Nigerian airlines. Protecting local operators, he said, is crucial for long-term capacity expansion.
Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo added that while festive-season pressure is expected, airlines must prioritize staff welfare to ensure efficient passenger handling during peak travel.
Despite ongoing efforts, industry officials agree that without improved policy support, expanded capacity, and streamlined maintenance pipelines, Nigerian travellers may continue to face steep fares each festive season—and persistent strain across the aviation ecosystem.