From November 1, 2024, Air Peace will increase its one-way ticket price from Lagos to Abuja to N200,000, the highest fare among domestic airlines in Nigeria. This fare hike is a response to the harsh economic conditions affecting the aviation industry, including rising operational costs, high fuel prices, and multiple taxes.
Air Peace’s new pricing has sparked frustration among passengers, forcing many to reconsider flying and opt for road transport despite its risks. Competing airlines have also raised fares, but none as steep as Air Peace. Aero is offering tickets for N94,000 to N109,000, Arik Air’s prices range from N104,405 to N139,292, and Ibom Air is charging between N124,000 and N133,000 for the same route.
An Air Peace official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the price adjustment, stating that the current economic challenges, especially high taxes and jet fuel prices, have made it difficult for the airline to maintain previous fare levels. “We are bleeding financially due to soaring costs, and businesses, particularly airlines, have been left with no choice but to raise prices,” the official added.
Many passengers have expressed concerns over the steep increase, with some being stranded at airports due to the high costs and limited availability of flights, particularly on the busy Lagos-Abuja and Abuja-Lagos routes.
Efforts to contact the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Toyin Olajide, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or text messages. Meanwhile, passengers, like businessman Adeleke Aina, shared their dismay at the rising fares, with many now considering road travel due to the unaffordability of air tickets.
Airlines in Nigeria have attributed the fare increases to various factors, including the scarcity of foreign exchange, high jet fuel prices, and multiple government-imposed taxes, all of which have severely impacted their operations. Despite these challenges, the fare hikes have left many Nigerians questioning the sustainability of air travel as a viable option in the current economic climate.
