Yuletide Travel: 131% Airfare Hike to South-East, South-South Triggers Passenger Outrage

A sharp 131% increase in airfares to the South-East and South-South regions ahead of the Yuletide season has sparked widespread complaints from air travelers, many of whom say they may be forced to turn to road transport despite security concerns.

The fare hikes, which typically take effect from December 1 each year in response to holiday travel demand, come four months before the Christmas and New Year period. Airlines, citing economic pressures and rising operational costs, have begun adjusting prices drastically on key domestic routes.

Skyrocketing Fares

According to Vanguard findings, Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has raised its one-way economy fare from Lagos to Asaba (Delta State) from ₦147,000 to ₦337,500. A similar surge is seen on the Lagos–Enugu and Lagos–Benin routes, with prices jumping from ₦145,000 to ₦335,500. Abuja to Benin now also costs ₦335,500 for a one-way economy seat.

United Nigeria Airlines has announced comparable fare hikes. From December 11, one-way economy tickets from Lagos to Enugu, Owerri, and Asaba will rise from ₦125,500 to ₦335,500.

However, Ibom Air, owned by Akwa Ibom State, appears to be holding its fares steady for now, with current prices still within the previous range.

Passengers React

Frustrated passengers have expressed concern over the prohibitive costs, which they say are far beyond what many families can afford.

“I cannot imagine paying this huge amount for myself, my wife and our two kids to travel to Imo,” said frequent flyer Michael Onwusa. “I will ensure my car is in good condition so I can drive for our Christmas holiday.”

Another traveller, Tina Ikwuogu, added: “This is huge. I haven’t travelled by road to Enugu in years, and I cannot afford to do that during the Yuletide. Even if it means borrowing to fund my travel plans, I will do that because I cannot afford not to reunite with my people.”

Experts Weigh In

Roland Iyayi, a trustee member of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), explained that the price hikes are driven by basic economic principles, particularly during peak seasons with imbalanced traffic patterns.

“Anything about pricing of airfares is an economic consideration,” Iyayi said. “For the South-East, during a peak period, traffic is typically one way. Airlines take about 100 passengers to the East but return with maybe 20. Each seat, therefore, must be priced to cover the full operating cost — otherwise, the airline incurs losses.”

He likened the seasonal demand structure to that of charter flights, where pricing must account for both outbound and return legs regardless of passenger load.

Operational Costs Driving Increases

Allen Onyema, Vice Chairman of AON and Chairman of Air Peace, recently highlighted the broader economic pressures facing the aviation sector, including soaring costs of aviation fuel (Jet-A1), landing fees, insurance, and aircraft maintenance.

“Aviation fuel remains a major issue,” Onyema said during a press briefing in Lagos. “A litre sells for ₦1,050 to ₦1,100. A Boeing 777 burns between 3,500 and 4,000 litres per hour on a short route like Lagos to Abuja — that’s around ₦5 million in fuel alone.”

He added that every take-off and landing involves significant wear and tear costs for engines, landing gear, and fuselage, particularly for wet-leased aircraft that can cost operators up to $6,000 per hour.

As the festive season approaches, air travelers may continue to face difficult decisions as economic realities collide with the desire to reunite with family.