Domestic Flight Fares in Nigeria Rise Above N200,000 

Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and Ibom Air, have increased their base economy fares on major domestic routes to above ₦200,000, marking the highest ticket prices seen in recent months.

The sharp rise comes as aviation fuel (Jet A1) prices remain elevated, hovering between ₦1,900 and ₦2,000 per litre, despite attempts by local refineries to stabilise supply. Airline operators say this surge in operating costs has left them with little choice but to pass the burden onto passengers.

Major Route Increases

• Lagos to Owerri: Air Peace now charges over ₦202,000, while United Nigeria’s fares exceed ₦208,000.
• Lagos to Port Harcourt: Tickets range from ₦201,900 (Air Peace) to over ₦208,300 (United).
• Lagos to Abuja: Passengers pay upwards of ₦201,900 with Air Peace and ₦208,145 with United.
• Lagos to Enugu and Lagos to Kano: Prices have similarly crossed the ₦200,000 threshold.
• Ibom Air: On routes like Lagos to Enugu, fares have reportedly surged to as high as ₦340,000.

Fuel Costs Drive the Hike

Industry observers note that fuel accounts for the largest share of operating costs for Nigerian carriers. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) recently highlighted a 266.7% increase in jet fuel prices over the past months. 

While the government has offered temporary relief measures, such as discounts on aviation-related fees, airlines say these are insufficient to counter the steep rise in fuel expenses.

The increase in fares reflects broader cost pressures within Nigeria’s aviation sector, including multiple taxes, exchange rate volatility, and operational overheads. 

Analysts warn that unless fuel prices stabilise, domestic air travel could remain significantly more expensive for passengers, potentially affecting travel demand in the short term.