Flights Out Of Middle Class’ Reach As Airlines Raise Fares November 1

Without citing any reason, Air Peace airline has announced an increase in one way ticket on business class to N400,000 and N300,000 for Economy seats from November 1st, 2024.

With this increment, business class return ticket – going and coming- on Air Peace airline now N800,000, while economy seat is N600,000, LEADERSHIP has learnt

According to aviation experts, even though the increment was as a result of the current economic headwinds, it would make Air travel out of the reach of the middle class.

The increment reads, “Dear Team, Good morning and I trust this email finds you well.

“This is to inform you that our domestic fares have been reviewed. The new fares are effective for flights from 01st November 2024.

“The previous fares remain available for flights up to 31st October 2024. Please note that all the new fares are refundable and change fees do not apply. However, they all attract a no- show fee,” it stated.

It was, however, gathered that other airlines are equally planning to follow Air Peace as they are on the verge of raising fares to cover their cost of operations which they said is very high.

While Air Peace has N200,000 and above on its website for a one-way trip between Lagos and Abuja, Aero is charging N95,000 to over N120,000;  Arik Air has between N110,405 to N139,292; and Ibom Air ranges between N124,000 to over N133,000.

The shortage of aircraft which has seriously reduced capacity has forced carriers to hike fares while many others are unable to secure seats on airplanes.

The busiest routes, Lagos-Abuja and Abuja-Lagos, are more impacted as many passengers find it tough to secure seats.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, a Air Peace passenger, Olumide Fasasi, stated that the increment would mean passengers resorting to road transport.

“How do I raise N300,000 for a one way economy seat flight? Government must subsidise the fare or people will resort to road travel and that will lead to waste of productive man hours.

Also, due to insecurity in the country, I hope that won’t fuel kidnapping for ransom and other vices in the country.”

Also speaking, John Chukwu, who said he has been travelling by air for years added that with the rates at which fares are going up, it would be very difficult for many people to travel by air.

“This is no longer sustainable for many Nigerians. Many will find it very easy to take to road transportation because of the bad economy,” he stated.