Nigerians Face High Airfares as Demand Surges for Christmas Travel

Nigerians are experiencing a significant rise in domestic airfares as demand surges ahead of the Christmas season. According to Dr. Alex Nwuba, the President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria (OPAN), this spike is primarily due to late ticket purchases. He emphasized that travelers are “paying the price for waiting till the last minute” rather than being exploited by airlines.

In an interview with ARISE News, Nwuba pointed out that the increase in airfares during the festive season is not a new phenomenon. He stated, “Every year it’s the same. Prices go up at Christmas time.” The rise in ticket prices is fundamentally a reflection of supply and demand dynamics, acting as compensation for lower fares during off-peak periods.

Nwuba highlighted that while some lawmakers have accused airlines of taking advantage of travelers, the reality is that all parties, including operators, are affected by the price hikes. “If it’s exploitation, I also pay those high fares. Everybody’s paying them. It’s simply driven by the season,” he explained.

The mechanics of airfare pricing reveal that as more people seek to buy tickets, prices inevitably increase. Nwuba elaborated, “All of us had the opportunity to buy these same tickets in October when the prices were low, but we waited till the last minute.” He noted that airline revenue management systems adjust fares based on seat availability, resulting in higher prices as flights fill up.

“People paying these high prices shouldn’t be buying tickets in December — they should have bought them in October,” Nwuba advised. He also addressed concerns raised by the Minister of Aviation regarding a lack of aircraft and competition exacerbating the situation. He argued that demand remains the primary driver of fare increases, stating, “Aviation doesn’t look to preserve prices to the point where only the elite fly.”

Despite the introduction of three new airlines prior to this December, the overwhelming demand continues to outstrip available capacity. Nwuba remarked, “I’m flying tomorrow and I’m paying double what I used to pay. Nobody has special privileges.”

In addition to demand, Nwuba linked the high airfares to the devaluation of the naira and rising operational costs. For instance, he noted that a fare of ₦300,000, roughly equivalent to $200, reflects the significant currency devaluation since the 1990s. He asserted, “The airlines don’t want these high prices. They want more people to fly.” However, they are compelled to cover their substantial cost burdens, which include paying approximately 17 percent more for fuel compared to other regions.

Nwuba also called for a thorough review of aviation charges to alleviate the financial pressure on travelers. He stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the aviation system, including reevaluating costs associated with handling companies, fuel suppliers, and various taxes. He indicated that regional agreements are in place to lower these charges, which could lead to reduced prices in the new year.

In summary, Nwuba concluded that the current wave of high airfares is a direct consequence of consumers waiting until the last moment to purchase tickets. He reiterated, “It’s not exploitation as we think of it.” As the holiday season approaches, travelers are urged to plan ahead to secure better rates and avoid the premium prices associated with last-minute bookings.