Christmas return air tickets climb as high as ₦822,000 on some routes
Nigerians planning to fly home for Christmas and the New Year are facing steep fares, with return tickets on some domestic routes reaching ₦822,000.
The fares
According to checks reported on Monday, 9 November 2026, major carriers including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet have listed much higher fares for December 2026 and early January 2027, especially on routes linking Lagos and Abuja to the South-East and South-South. Air Peace listed a Lagos–Anambra return ticket between 24 December and 2 January at about ₦676,000, with the outbound flight at ₦341,500 and the return at ₦335,500. An Abuja–Anambra return costs about ₦677,000, and Lagos–Owerri about ₦671,000. The highest return fares found reached ₦822,000.
Why fares rise
Demand for flights to the South-East and South-South surges every December as many Nigerians travel home for the holidays, weddings and other ceremonies. Airlines say the high cost of aviation fuel, foreign exchange for maintenance and leasing, and a shortage of aircraft push up prices.
Background
Last week, one-way economy fares for flights around 20 and 21 December were reported at up to ₦337,500, increases of as much as 208 per cent. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission previously accused some airlines of price-fixing during the 2025 festive season, which the airlines denied. Many travellers turn to road transport instead, despite security concerns on some highways.
What it means
Travellers are being advised to book early to avoid the highest prices.
- Some return fares have reached ₦822,000.
- Lagos–Anambra return costs about ₦676,000 on Air Peace.
- Demand peaks in late December.
