Domestic airfares jump up to 208% ahead of Christmas as Air Peace, Aero, United raise tickets

Domestic airfares on Lagos and Abuja routes to South-East and South-South cities have jumped by as much as 208% ahead of Christmas and New Year, with economy tickets now listed as high as N337,500.

Booking platform data for flights departing December 20 and 21, 2026 show fares between N196,000 and N337,500 on routes linking Lagos and Abuja to cities such as Asaba, Enugu, Benin, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Ebonyi. The same tickets sold for between N106,000 and N143,000 as recently as November 9, 2026.

Aero, Air Peace lead fare increases

Aero Contractors recorded one of the biggest jumps. Its Lagos-Asaba economy fare rose from N106,286 in early November to N327,940 for December 20, an increase of about 208%. Air Peace raised its Lagos-Asaba economy fare from N118,400 to N337,500 for December 21, an increase of about 185%. The business-class option on the same route was listed at N432,700.

On the Abuja-Enugu corridor, Air Peace economy fare climbed from N116,400 to N335,500, a rise of approximately 188%.

United Nigeria, Aero, Ibom Air routes

United Nigeria Airlines Lagos-Benin fare went from N120,000 to N310,500, an increase of about 159%. Aero Contractors Abuja-Benin ticket moved from N117,627 to N196,522, a 67% increase.

Ibom Air Lagos-Uyo economy fare rose from N143,200 to N200,300, an increase of about 40%. The airline Abuja-Uyo service was priced at N200,100 for December 21, although the earlier fare was not available for comparison.

Regulator flags price-fixing concerns

The fare hikes have rekindled debate over whether domestic airlines exploit the festive season to overcharge passengers, many of whom have limited alternatives for reaching their hometowns in time for the holidays.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission raised similar concerns in January 2026, when it accused some carriers of price-fixing during the 2025 Yuletide travel period. The commission Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Tunji Bello, said preliminary investigations found that airfares climbed to between N405,000 and N600,000 during that period.

What it means for travellers

Nigerians hoping to fly home for Christmas and New Year face sharply higher costs, with economy tickets on some domestic routes now reaching N337,500 after increases of nearly 200% by several airlines. The fare pressure hits festive travel budgets at a time when many passengers have few alternatives.

Separately, Binani Air has opened ticket sales ahead of its inaugural flight operations scheduled for May 10, 2026. The airline said the launch marks a milestone as it moves from planning to full commercial operations and will create fresh employment opportunities.