The cost of airfares on several domestic routes has surged by approximately 150 percent, exceeding N300,000. This significant increase is attributed to the high passenger volume typical of the Yuletide season and other contributing factors. Passengers are experiencing astronomical rises in ticket prices, particularly for travel to the South-South and South-East regions, which see high demand during festive periods.
Beyond the usual Yuletide rush, current air ticket prices are deemed out of reach by passengers due to prevailing economic challenges. Airline operators also cite a shortage of aircraft as a factor exacerbating the fare hike. Prior to the festive season, domestic air tickets were priced around N120,000. However, recent checks reveal a 150 percent increase in fares for routes to the South-South and South-East compared to pre-Yuletide prices.
Specific examples illustrate the dramatic price changes. A one-way economy ticket from Lagos to Asaba on Air Peace has risen from approximately N120,000 to over N300,000, with some dates reaching N337,500. Similar steep increases are observed for flights from Abuja to Asaba and other routes across the country, with some tickets priced as high as N399,999.