Passengers are increasingly concerned about the rising airfares, with one-way tickets from Abuja to Lagos costing between N109,000 and N369,000. Airlines like Arik Air and Air Peace are charging premium prices, attributing the increase to various factors including exchange rates, fuel costs, and high maintenance expenses.
Despite regulations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requiring airlines to seek approval before raising fares, many airlines are flouting these rules. The regulations aim to protect consumers from arbitrary fare hikes, but enforcement seems to be lacking.
Although the government promises improvements in the aviation sector, with the signing of agreements to boost capacity and introduce new players, the immediate future still looks uncertain for passengers. Foreign investors and a new airline are expected to enter the market, potentially bringing relief to passengers grappling with high airfares.