Nigerians planning to travel to reunite with family and friends, particularly this festive season are facing an incredible hurdle with transportation fare, both on land and on air. The usually joyous season has been tinged with concerns as travelers grapple with exorbitant ticket prices, prompting a reevaluation of holiday plans and travel arrangements.
Airfare hikes during the festive season are not uncommon, but this year’s surge has caught many by surprise, leaving them with tough decisions to make.
The airfare that surged to an average of N100,000 per one-hour Economy flight ticket in October, has hit N200,000 for flights on the East and Southern routes. Its round-trip variant now sells for between N350,000 and almost half a million, subject to seat availability.
Findings across the different airlines in Nigeria showed that the average fare of N70,000 for a one-hour (one-way) flight in early October has increased to between N120,500, and N270,000, depending on the airline and time of booking.
On Air Peace, for instance, the Lagos-Anambra flight travel date, in the week ahead of Christmas, yesterday sold at N171,500 for one-way. After Christmas, it sells for an average of N66,900. Lagos-Enugu flight ranges between N123,900 and N266,800, one-way.
Lagos-Enugu flight on United Nigeria Airline (UNA) is competitive, ranging between N125,500 and N220,500 per seat. Lagos-Anambra on UNA also sold at between N142,500 and N200,000. Abuja-Anambra in United Nigeria ranged between N142,500 and N220,500.
Meanwhile, flights on the traditional routes of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano remain in the range of N100,000, and N160,000
The reasons behind the steep increase in airfares are multifaceted and have become a topic of widespread discussion.
Some of the contributing factors includes:
Demand-Supply Dynamics:
One of the primary factors contributing to the spike in airfare is the classic interplay of demand and supply. The festive season sees a surge in the number of people wanting to travel, creating heightened demand for available seats. Airlines, in turn, capitalize on this increased demand by adjusting ticket prices, often leading to a significant escalation.
Operational Costs:
The aviation industry is not immune to rising operational costs, and airlines must grapple with expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and personnel. These operational challenges, coupled with the economic conditions prevailing in the country, contribute to the need for airlines to adjust their pricing to ensure sustainability.
Limited Competition:
The aviation sector in Nigeria has witnessed limited competition, with a few major players dominating the market. This lack of robust competition can contribute to airlines having more control over pricing strategies, especially during peak travel seasons.
Economic Challenges:
Nigeria, like many other nations, is navigating economic challenges, including inflation and fluctuating currency values. These economic factors can have a cascading effect on the aviation industry, influencing everything from fuel costs to maintenance expenses, ultimately impacting the overall cost structure for airlines.
Navigating the Impact:
The surge in airfare has left many Nigerians pondering alternatives and reassessing their holiday plans. Some are considering alternative modes of transportation, such as road travel, to mitigate the financial strain. However, this shift raises concerns about road safety, travel duration, and overall convenience.
For those determined to take to the skies, meticulous planning and early booking have become crucial strategies to secure more affordable fares. Travelers are advised to leverage available online tools and platforms to compare prices, explore flexible travel dates, and identify potential discounts.
Government Intervention:
In response to public outcry, there have been calls for government intervention to address the escalating airfare issue. Authorities are urged to engage with stakeholders in the aviation sector to explore measures that could provide relief to travelers, such as incentives for airlines to maintain reasonable pricing during peak seasons.
Opinion:
As the festive season unfolds, Nigerians are left grappling with the dilemma of choosing between cherished holiday traditions and the financial strain posed by escalated airfare. While some have found creative solutions like planning earlier or exploring alternative travel options, the broader issue of airfare affordability remains a pressing concern.
The current scenario emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to pricing strategies within the aviation sector. As travelers navigate the challenges posed by high airfares, there is hope for a collaborative effort involving the government, airlines, and industry stakeholders to strike a balance between market dynamics and the affordability of air travel for Nigerians during festive seasons.