Nigerians planning to travel to their hometowns for the Christmas and New Year celebrations may face significantly higher transportation costs as domestic airfares on some routes have increased by nearly 200 per cent ahead of the festive season.
Findings from airline booking platforms indicate that economy-class tickets on selected routes connecting Lagos and Abuja to destinations across the South-East and South-South have risen to between ₦196,000 and ₦337,500 for December 20 and 21, 2026.
The latest fares represent a sharp increase from previous prices, which ranged between ₦106,000 and ₦143,000 on some routes, as demand for holiday travel continues to build.
Aero Contractors recorded one of the highest increases on the Lagos-Asaba route, with its economy fare rising from ₦106,286 on November 9 to ₦327,940 for December 20, representing an increase of approximately 208 per cent.
Similarly, Air Peace increased its Lagos-Asaba economy ticket from ₦118,400 on November 9 to ₦337,500 for December 21, while its business class ticket on the route stood at ₦432,700.
On the Abuja-Enugu route, Air Peace’s economy fare rose from ₦116,400 to ₦335,500, representing an increase of about 188 per cent.
United Nigeria Airlines also increased its Lagos-Benin fare from ₦120,000 to ₦310,500, while Aero Contractors’ Abuja-Benin ticket climbed from ₦117,627 to ₦196,522.
Other routes have equally recorded fare adjustments, although at varying rates. Ibom Air’s Lagos Uyo economy ticket increased from ₦143,200 to ₦200,300, while its Abuja Uyo service was listed at ₦200,100 for December 21.
Other affected destinations include Port Harcourt, Owerri and Ebonyi, leaving travellers with fewer affordable options during the peak holiday period.
The rising fares have renewed concerns about the affordability of domestic air travel, particularly for Nigerians who depend on flights to reunite with family members during the festive season.
The development also comes amid previous regulatory concerns over alleged excessive seasonal fare increases.
In January 2026, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accused some domestic airlines of possible price-fixing during the 2025 Christmas and New Year period.
The Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Tunji Bello, disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that airfares had risen to between ₦405,000 and ₦600,000 during the period.
Subsequent findings by the FCCPC reportedly showed that ticket prices during the December travel rush were substantially higher than post-holiday fares on several routes, despite relative stability in major operating costs, including aviation fuel, government taxes and foreign exchange.
Reacting to the latest increases, a passenger identified as Shayo Adigun appealed to airlines to consider the economic difficulties facing Nigerians and make festive-season travel more affordable.
She noted that many travellers depend on air transportation because road journeys are not always a viable alternative.
With the festive season approaching, the latest fare increases are expected to place additional financial pressure on Nigerians travelling across the country to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with their loved ones.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
