Domestic Airfares Soar Past N300,000 Amid Yuletide Rush

Flight fares have crossed N300,000 on major Nigerian routes as Christmas travel pressure overwhelms airlines already battling a severe aircraft shortage.

Only about 38 planes are currently flying nationwide, leaving carriers like Air Peace, Aero Contractors and United Nigeria unable to meet the heavy rush to the South-East and South-South.

The situation worsened after Air Peace lost four leased aircraft suddenly, cutting its available seats and tightening supply even further.

On routes like Lagos–Asaba, Lagos–Enugu, Lagos–Owerri and Abuja–Asaba, tickets now sell between N300,000 and N430,000, depending on the airline and date.

Aviation experts say festive spikes are normal but warn that poor policies, multiple charges and fleet constraints are making the hikes worse. They also urge airlines to handle passengers better during the rush.

For many travellers, the soaring fares mean choosing between paying steep prices or enduring long, unsafe road trips just to get home for the holidays.