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Yuletide: Local flights break N300,000 mark
Domestic Airfares Skyrocket by 150% Ahead of Yuletide, Tickets Now Above N300,000
As the Yuletide travel rush intensifies, domestic flight tickets across Nigeria have surged by nearly 150%, with one-way tickets now exceeding N300,000 on major routes. Travellers, especially those journeying to the South-South and South-East, are bearing the brunt of this unprecedented spike. www.cjsoftflix.com brings you a full breakdown of the situation.
Checks conducted by www.cjsoftflix.com revealed that the ticket hikes are most pronounced on routes with traditionally high festive traffic. These include Lagos–Asaba, Lagos–Benin, Lagos–Enugu, and Lagos–Port Harcourt, where airlines have adjusted fares sharply to reflect increased demand and worsening aircraft shortages.
Before the Christmas rush, domestic airfares averaged around N120,000. But current figures from airline booking portals show huge jumps, especially from Air Peace, Aero Contractors, and United Nigeria Airlines.
Massive Price Surge Across Major Routes
- Lagos → Asaba (Air Peace): Increased from about N120,000 to over N337,500 between Dec 24–29.
- Abuja → Asaba (Air Peace): Tickets priced at N335,500 between Dec 23–28.
- Lagos → Asaba (United Nigeria Airlines): Selling between N399,999.
- Aero Contractors → Asaba: Tickets at N238,452 on Dec 24.
- Lagos → Enugu (Air Peace): Between N335,500 and N430,700 from Dec 28–29.
- Lagos → Benin (United Nigeria Airlines): From N335,499 to N345,499 by Dec 31.
- Lagos → Calabar (Aero Contractors): Prices between N151,786 and N187,976 from Dec 22–24.
- Lagos → Port Harcourt (Air Peace): Selling steadily at N335,500 from Dec 23–29.
Some of the most shocking fares are for flights lasting less than one hour — such as Asaba and Benin routes — which have risen to nearly N400,000.
Many Nigerians prefer flying due to the worsening security challenges across the country. However, the new airfare surge is forcing some travellers to return to road transport despite the risks.
Why Airfares Are Rising: Aircraft Shortages & Multiple Charges
Operators say that a shortage of serviceable aircraft is a major contributor. Many planes are grounded in foreign Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facilities due to high costs and technical delays.
A recent paper by Charles Grant, CFO of Aero Contractors, revealed that Nigerian airlines collectively operate only 38 serviceable aircraft — a dangerously low number for a nation of over 200 million travellers.
Grant blamed multiple taxation, high operational costs, and harsh government policies for the low capacity. He called on the government to reinvest aviation-generated revenue back into the sector rather than overtax operators.
Air Peace Confirms Operational Disruptions After Aircraft Withdrawal
Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, disclosed that three of its leased aircraft were suddenly withdrawn by SmartLynx Airlines without notice — despite advance payments. This unexpected removal led to massive disruptions, delays, and cancellations.
The airline's Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, explained that Air Peace had opted for a wet-lease arrangement to support passengers during the rush, especially as 13 of its aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance overseas.
Despite the setback, Air Peace assured passengers that some aircraft have completed maintenance and will soon return to operation.
Experts React to the Soaring Airfares
Dr. Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, confirmed the severe capacity gap. He noted that Air Peace alone lost nearly 300 seats daily due to aircraft shortages.
However, he added that new carriers are expected to begin operations soon, which may ease the pressure:
“Demand always rises during festive periods, and prices reflect that. With more planes returning and more airlines joining the market, capacity should improve if security challenges don’t interfere.”
Former NCAA DG Harold Demuren urged the Federal Government to renegotiate unfair bilateral air agreements (BASAs) and support local carriers to enhance capacity.
Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo emphasized that while fare increases are seasonal, airlines must also ensure their staff are properly supported to handle the festive passenger surge professionally.
As the year-end travel boom continues, travellers may have to plan earlier or explore alternatives to avoid the skyrocketing ticket prices. For more verified updates on aviation, business, entertainment and trending national stories, keep refreshing www.cjsoftflix.com .
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