With Christmas less than a week away and New Year celebrations around the corner, airfare to Southeast Nigeria has surged dramatically, with return tickets exceeding N700,000.
According to Business Hallmark, a review of major airline platforms, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airline, Ibom Air, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors, reveals exorbitant ticket prices for routes to Southeast destinations such as Anambra, Enugu, Owerri, and Port Harcourt. These routes, popular among travelers returning home for the festive season, are predominantly frequented by individuals from Christian-majority states who prioritize celebrating the holidays with their families.
The high demand is further fueled by insecurity in the region, prompting many passengers to view air travel as the safest option for reuniting with loved ones. While airfare on other routes remains relatively low, Southeast-bound flights are experiencing heavy traffic, leading to inflated ticket prices that are out of reach for most travelers.
For instance, a return ticket on United Nigeria Airline from Lagos to Anambra costs N700,000, while Abuja to Owerri is priced at N550,000. Similarly, Air Peace tickets for Lagos to Anambra State cost N285,800 one way and N387,100 for the return leg, totaling N672,900. Flights from Lagos to Enugu and Imo cost between N571,600 and N666,900 for return trips, respectively. Comparatively, Ibom Air offers relatively cheaper flights, with Lagos to Uyo priced at N152,700 one way.
The spike in airfare has led many travelers to switch to road transport despite rising fuel costs. Road travel offers a more affordable alternative, with shared vehicles and buses gaining popularity. However, safety concerns persist as some travelers opt for unregistered vehicles to cut costs.
Industry experts attribute the high ticket prices to seasonal demand and limited capacity. According to Olumide Ohunayo, General Secretary of the Aviation Round Table Initiative (ARTI), airfare spikes during festive periods due to increased demand, which is expected to normalize in January. He noted that limited competition on Southeast routes contributes to the price hike, as airlines capitalize on the high demand.
Daisi Olotu, CEO of Dees Travel and Tour Limited, also emphasized the lack of capacity and competition on Southeast routes. He pointed out that routes like Abuja experience more affordable fares due to higher passenger traffic and increased competition among airlines. Olotu further advocated for more airlines to operate on Southeast routes, enhancing competition and reducing prices.
The aviation sector faces broader challenges, including high operating costs driven by foreign exchange rates and maintenance expenses. Airlines like Air Peace dominate the Southeast routes, while others struggle to maintain operations, further limiting options for travelers.
As families plan their holiday reunions, many are left grappling with the financial strain of travel costs. While air travel offers safety and convenience, the high fares have pushed many to explore alternative means of reaching their destinations this festive season.