Domestic airlines have increased ticket prices to the South-East and South-South by as much as 131%, sparking widespread frustration among passengers ahead of the Yuletide season.

The fare surge, which typically begins in December due to heightened demand, has taken effect four months to Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, raised its Lagos–Asaba one-way economy ticket from ₦147,000 to ₦337,500. Similarly, Lagos–Enugu and Lagos–Benin routes jumped from ₦145,000 to ₦335,500, while Abuja–Benin also climbed to the same price.

United Nigeria Airlines pegged Lagos–Enugu tickets at ₦335,500 starting December 11, up from ₦125,500. Lagos–Owerri and Lagos–Asaba flights also rose to the same level.

Meanwhile, Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom State government, has kept fares within its regular range—for now.

Some travellers told Roseonallsides they may abandon air travel despite rising insecurity on Nigerian highways. Michael Onwusa, a frequent flyer, said: “I cannot imagine paying this huge amount for myself, my wife and our two kids to travel to Imo. I’ll make sure my car is in good condition so I can drive for Christmas.”

Tina Ikwuogu, another traveller, said: “This is huge. I haven’t travelled by road to Enugu in years. Even if I have to borrow, I will, because I cannot afford not to reunite with my people.”

A trustee of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Roland Iyayi, explained that fare spikes during the festive period are inevitable due to one-way traffic. “For the South-East, traffic is usually one direction. An airline might take 100 passengers in but return with only 20. Prices must therefore be set to cover operational costs. It’s similar to charter pricing,” Iyayi said.

AON Vice Chairman and Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, recently outlined factors keeping fares high:

  • Jet-A1 fuel costs: ₦1,050–₦1,100 per litre; a Boeing 777 burns 3,500–4,000 litres per hour (about ₦5m Lagos–Abuja).

  • Landing and engine cycle costs per flight.

  • Insurance and maintenance costs for airframes, fuselage, and landing gear.

  • Wet-lease charges of about $6,000 per hour.

Onyema stressed that these costs, coupled with festive demand, make fare reductions unrealistic.