Nigeria major domestic airlines have raise their fare base

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

Domestic airlines in Nigeria, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and Ibom Air, have raised their base ticket fares to over N200,000 on several major routes as the sharp increase in aviation fuel costs continues to weigh heavily on operators.

The fare hike, which has affected passengers travelling across key domestic destinations, is linked primarily to the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel and other rising operational expenses within the aviation industry.

Findings from airline booking platforms revealed that one-way economy tickets on popular routes such as Lagos-Abuja, Lagos-Port Harcourt and some South-East destinations now sell for between N200,000 and N210,000 depending on the time of booking and flight schedules.

Operators say the increase became unavoidable following the persistent surge in aviation fuel prices, which remain one of the biggest cost components for airlines in Nigeria.

Industry sources noted that Jet A1 prices have risen significantly in recent months due to foreign exchange instability, supply chain challenges and global oil market pressures, forcing airlines to adjust fares in order to sustain operations.

The development has sparked concerns among travellers and business operators who rely heavily on domestic flights for commercial activities and interstate movement.

Stakeholders within the aviation sector warned that the current pricing trend could further reduce passenger traffic as more Nigerians struggle with rising living costs and inflationary pressures.

Airline operators had earlier expressed fears that continued increases in fuel prices could threaten the survival of many local carriers if urgent interventions were not introduced.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has repeatedly called on the Federal Government to address the challenges facing the sector, particularly the high cost of aviation fuel and foreign exchange scarcity.

In response to mounting concerns, the Federal Government said it was engaging fuel suppliers, regulators and airline operators to stabilise aviation fuel supply and prevent major disruptions within the industry.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to ease operational difficulties confronting domestic airlines.

Industry analysts, however, warned that unless fuel prices decline or alternative support measures are introduced, ticket fares may continue to rise in the coming months.

Experts also stressed the need for improved local refining capacity and stronger economic policies to reduce dependence on imported aviation fuel and stabilise costs across Nigeria’s aviation sector.