Air Travel Costs Skyrocket in Nigeria as Domestic Air Fares Rise 25 Percent
In a recent report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the cost of air travel within Nigeria has seen a significant surge in July 2024. According to the agency’s Transport Fare Watch Report for July, domestic air fares increased by 25 percent year-on-year, reaching ₦98,561.74.
This development comes just a month after the federal government announced plans to increase tax charges, sparking protests from Airline Operators of Nigeria, who alleged multiple taxation. Despite this surge in airfare, prices paid for bus, motorcycle, and waterway journeys declined in July 2024, making air travel the costlier mode of transportation.
The NBS report revealed that the average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city decreased by 2.18% in July 2024, compared to June 2024, and declined by 29.46% year-on-year. However, air travel saw a significant rise in July 2024, with fares increasing by 9.65% compared to June 2024 and 25.12% year-on-year.
When analyzed by state, Anambra recorded the highest fare for intercity bus travel, with a per person fare of N9,566.89. Gombe was next, with a fare of N8,299.44. In contrast, the lowest fare was recorded in Kwara and Ebonyi, with fares of N5,518.38 and N5,596.11, respectively.
The increased costs of air travel may affect Nigerian travelers, particularly those in areas where bus and other alternatives are limited. As the nation seeks to revamp its transportation system, understanding the fluctuations in air fare will be crucial in shaping policy and creating an environment conducive to both travel and economic growth.
