Despite widespread complaints from travellers about rising airfare prices on domestic routes, the boss of a leading airline in Nigeria says the country remains one of the cheapest markets for air travel in the world. This comes amid broader discussions about aviation costs and ticket pricing in Nigeria’s bustling travel sector.
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, made the remarks while addressing concerns surrounding ticket prices. He stressed that, even though some travellers perceive recent fare increases as steep, Nigeria’s overall airfares — particularly for domestic flights — are still low compared with global standards. According to Okonkwo, carriers in the country continue to price flights competitively despite significant operational costs that include fuel, maintenance, levies, and other expenses.
Industry observers note that passengers have been vocal about ticket price hikes on certain popular routes, especially during peak travel periods. Fares on some domestic flights have climbed significantly in recent months, prompting complaints from consumers and scrutiny from aviation stakeholders. Yet Okonkwo’s comments suggest airlines are balancing competitive pricing with the need to remain financially viable in a challenging operating environment.
His assertion reinforces Nigeria’s status as a relatively budget-friendly aviation market compared with many other countries — even as the industry grapples with cost pressures and fluctuating demand. For travellers, the message is that while ticket costs vary by route and season, flying within Nigeria can still offer good value, particularly on well-served corridors with strong competition.
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