From November 1, 2024, Air Peace will raise its one-way fare for flights between Lagos and Abuja to N200,000, the highest among domestic airlines. The aviation industry has been grappling with Nigeria’s tough economic conditions, leading to a surge in airfares and pushing some travelers to opt for road transport.
A check on Monday revealed that Air Peace has already adjusted its fares on its website, listing one-way tickets at N200,000 and above. Other airlines have also increased prices, with Aero charging between N94,000 and N109,000, Arik Air quoting N104,405 to N139,292, and Ibom Air’s fares ranging from N124,000 to N133,000.
This drastic rise in fares has caused hardship for passengers, particularly on the heavily trafficked Lagos-Abuja route, where securing seats has become increasingly difficult. Many travelers have been left stranded at airports due to the high cost of flights.
An Air Peace official, who spoke anonymously, linked the fare hike to the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria. She noted that escalating operational costs, compounded by numerous government-imposed taxes, have left the airline with little choice but to adjust prices.
“We are bleeding as an aviation company,” she explained. “The high cost of running the business is becoming unmanageable, and these taxes are hurting us.”
Efforts to reach the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Toyin Olajide, for further comment were unsuccessful.
Frequent traveler and businessman Adeleke Aina shared his frustration with the rising prices, stating that he may now have to resort to road travel for his business trips. “The skyrocketing airfares with no clear explanation beyond economic factors are pushing me to explore other means of transport,” he said.
