Domestic Flights Rose by 25% to ₦98,561 in July

Domestic flights travellers in Nigeria paid 25% more for air tickets in July 2024 compared to the same time last year, according to a report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS Transport Fare Watch Report shows that the average price for a one-way domestic flight increased from ₦78,775.74 in July 2023 to ₦98,561.74 in July 2024.

The report also noted that airfares rose by 9.65% in July 2024 compared to June 2024. “The average fare paid for a single journey by air passengers was ₦98,561.74 in July 2024, a month-on-month increase of 9.65%,” the NBS stated. Year-on-year, airfares increased by 25.12%.

This rise in air travel costs follows the federal government’s recent decision to raise tax charges, despite concerns from the Airline Operators of Nigeria about multiple taxation.

While airfares went up, the report showed that fares for buses, motorcycles, and waterway transport dropped in July 2024.

The average fare for a bus ride within a city decreased by 2.18%, from ₦963.58 in June 2024 to ₦942.61 in July 2024. Year-on-year, city bus fares dropped by 29.46%, down from ₦1,336.29 in July 2023.

For intercity bus travel, the average fare slightly increased by 0.35%, from ₦7,092.03 in June 2024 to ₦7,117.17 in July 2024.

Motorcycle (Okada) transport fares increased by 1.22%, with the average fare rising from ₦477.49 in June 2024 to ₦483.33 in July 2024. However, year-on-year, Okada fares dropped by 25.20%, down from ₦646.12 in July 2023.

Waterway transport fares decreased by 0.44% month-on-month, with the average fare dropping from ₦1,406.70 in June 2024 to ₦1,403.06 in July 2024. Year-on-year, this category saw a small decline of 0.26%.

State-wise, Anambra had the highest intercity bus fare at ₦9,566.89, followed by Gombe at ₦8,299.44. Kwara had the lowest fare at ₦5,518.38, followed by Ebonyi at ₦5,596.11.

For city bus travel, Taraba had the highest average fare at ₦1,457.28, while Adamawa recorded the lowest at ₦500.00.