Domestic air travel in Nigeria has seen a significant fare increase of 20.8 percent year-on-year, with costs rising to N157,552 in May 2026 from N130,361 in May 2025. This surge, reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), reflects broader inflationary trends affecting the transport sector, where rising fuel prices and operational costs continue to burden airlines.
Stakeholders are expressing concern over the sustainability of air travel for the average consumer. "The escalating fares are making air travel increasingly inaccessible for many Nigerians, which could stifle the aviation sector's growth," said Abubakar Mohammed, Director of Aviation Policy at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
As the cost of living rises, consumers may opt for alternative transport methods, potentially reducing demand for domestic flights. Airlines face the challenge of balancing fare increases with passenger capacity, while the government may need to consider policy interventions to stabilize the sector. The future of Nigeria's domestic air travel will depend on how effectively these challenges are addressed in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
