A surge in airfares to Southeast states, including Anambra, Enugu, and Imo, as well as Port Harcourt in the South-South region, has pushed many holiday travellers to switch to road transport. The price hike, driven by increased demand during the festive season and security concerns on roadways, has left air travel out of reach for many Nigerians.
Review of airline websites such as Air Peace, United Nigeria Airline, Ibom Air, Arik, and Aero Contractors reveals exorbitant ticket prices on Southeast routes compared to other destinations.
For instance, United Nigeria Airline offers Lagos to Anambra return tickets for N700,000, while Abuja to Owerri flights cost N550,000. Air Peace tickets for Lagos to Anambra and back are priced at N672,900, with Lagos-Enugu return tickets costing N571,600. In contrast, Ibom Air charges N152,700 for a one-way ticket from Lagos to Uyo.
As flight prices soar, many passengers are turning to road transport despite rising fuel costs. Road travel is viewed as a more affordable alternative, with transport operators reporting an increase in demand for buses and shared rides. However, safety concerns remain, particularly with the use of unregistered vehicles offering cheaper transport options.
Experts attribute the high airfares to increased demand during the Yuletide season, particularly in predominantly Christian states where holiday travel peaks. As the season approaches, the trend of switching to road transport is expected to grow as families seek cost-effective ways to celebrate together.
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