Air Peace to Charge N200,000 for Lagos-Abuja Flights Amid Economic Crisis

From November 1, 2024, passengers flying from Lagos to Abuja with Air Peace will face an eye-watering ticket price of N200,000 for a one-way journey. The surge in airfares comes as Nigeria’s worsening economic situation places increasing strain on the aviation industry, forcing airlines to raise their prices and leaving many passengers stranded or opting for road transport.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has led the pack in these increases, with its N200,000 fare marking the highest among domestic airlines. A review of other major carriers reveals that Aero Contractors is charging between N94,000 and N109,000 for the same route, Arik Air between N104,000 and N139,000, and Ibom Air between N124,000 and N133,000.

The steep rise in ticket prices has been particularly felt on the Lagos-Abuja and Abuja-Lagos routes—two of the busiest domestic routes in the country—where passengers are now finding it increasingly difficult to secure seats at affordable rates.

An official from Air Peace, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the fare hikes, attributing them to the nation’s deepening economic woes. “If you check the breakdown of ticket prices, you will see that we are bleeding as an airline,” the official said. “The cost of running the business is almost out of control, and the taxes imposed by the government are killing us.”

Efforts to reach Toyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or text messages.

The escalating costs have led some long-time air travellers to reconsider their options. Adeleke Aina, a businessman who has frequently travelled by air, expressed frustration at the relentless price hikes. “With airfares skyrocketing every day, I may be left with no choice but to switch to road transport,” Aina told our correspondent. “Fuel prices are out of control, and it seems like the Federal Government is turning a blind eye to this abnormality. I fear for this country.”

This surge in fares is yet another reflection of Nigeria’s economic challenges, with inflation, a weakening naira, and rising fuel costs hammering businesses and consumers alike. For the aviation industry, the combination of high operational costs and dwindling passenger numbers presents a particularly stark dilemma, as the sector struggles to remain viable in a challenging economic landscape.