Nigerians have expressed outrage over the soaring cost of domestic flight tickets during the Christmas season, with fares on some routes climbing to as high as N500,000.
Social media users also criticised the airlines, with some questioning how flights of less than one hour could cost nearly half a million naira.
While Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the government cannot fix prices for private airlines, stakeholders argue that heavy taxes and charges—accounting for more than 50 per cent of ticket costs—give the government a role in addressing the problem.
Airlines, however, blame high operational costs.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria said multiple taxes and charges are a major driver of high fares, while United Nigeria Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Raphael Uchegbu, defended festive pricing, citing demand, empty return flights and high fuel and airport charges.
Despite the backlash, Uchegbu said airlines have not significantly increased fares compared to last year, insisting that current prices reflect seasonal travel realities and rising operating costs.
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