Nigerian Airlines Hike Ticket Prices Above ₦200,000 as Fuel Costs Bite Harder
By Aboki Forex —
Major domestic airlines in Nigeria, including Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, have raised one-way economy fares above ₦200,000 on several key routes. The increases come as aviation fuel prices and operational expenses continue to climb, putting more pressure on passengers already struggling with inflation.
Fares Surge on Busy Routes
Checks across booking platforms show sharp fare hikes over the past four months. A one-way economy ticket from Lagos to Owerri that cost around ₦150,000 in January now sells for about ₦202,000 on Air Peace and over ₦208,000 on United Nigeria Airlines. The Lagos to Port Harcourt route has seen similar jumps, with tickets now above ₦201,000 on Air Peace and ₦208,000 on United Nigeria Airlines.
On the busy Lagos to Abuja corridor, fares have crossed ₦200,000 on some carriers. Air Peace lists tickets at about ₦201,900, while United Nigeria Airlines charges around ₦208,145. However, operators like Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Rano Air still offer fares between ₦125,000 and ₦148,000 on select routes.
Lagos to Enugu Hits ₦340,000
The Lagos to Enugu route is among the hardest hit. United Nigeria Airlines charges over ₦208,000 for economy class, Air Peace lists fares above ₦221,000, and Ibom Air’s fares have climbed as high as ₦340,000. That makes it one of the most expensive domestic flights in the country. Lagos to Kano tickets on Air Peace have also risen from about ₦140,000 earlier this year to more than ₦201,000.
Fuel Costs Driving the Crisis
Industry operators say the hikes are directly tied to the persistent rise in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices. Market checks show aviation fuel still sells for between ₦1,900 and ₦2,000 per litre, despite supply efforts by the Dangote Refinery. According to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, fuel prices surged by over 266% within two months, from about ₦900 to as high as ₦3,300 per litre before recent adjustments. That earlier spike forced airlines to threaten a nationwide shutdown.
Government Intervention Offers Little Relief
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a 30% reduction on outstanding statutory debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies. The intervention, announced by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, was meant to ease pressure on carriers and prevent flight disruptions. But economic experts say it is only a temporary fix.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise warned that airlines are trapped in a hostile operating environment. CPPE Chief Executive Officer Muda Yusuf said multiple charges from aviation agencies now consume up to 35% of airline revenues. These include passenger service charges, landing fees, parking fees, inspection charges, administrative levies, boarding bridge fees, and import duties on aircraft spare parts.
Yusuf added that the combination of high fuel prices, multiple taxation, and foreign exchange pressures is making survival increasingly difficult for domestic carriers. Unless fuel prices ease or broader reforms come, passengers may face even higher ticket prices in the months ahead.
Ibom Air recently warned it may reduce flight operations as the fuel crisis pushes finances to the brink. The airline said the cost of fuelling a single flight jumped from about ₦2.1 million in January to approximately ₦7.6 million by April 26, a 350% increase in just seven weeks.