If you’ve tried booking a flight in Nigeria recently, chances are you paused, rubbed your eyes, and checked again, just to be sure you weren’t seeing things. Not too long ago, you could book a Lagos to Abuja flight for ₦35,000 to ₦40,000. Today, that same one-hour trip can hit ₦120,000 or more. The jump is so steep that many travelers now pause and ask themselves: ‘Do I really need this flight, or can I just brave the road?’ Flying has started to feel like a luxury, not a convenience. But why exactly are flight tickets in Nigeria so expensive? And more importantly, how can you still get around without breaking the bank?
Let’s break it down.
1. The Dollar Effect
Every time the dollar sneezes, the naira catches a cold. Airlines buy fuel, spare parts, and even pay service fees in dollars. So when the exchange rate goes up, ticket prices follow. It’s not that the airlines enjoy stressing us; the truth is, operating costs are tied to the dollar, and passengers end up footing the bill.
2. Aviation Fuel Wahala
Aviation fuel (Jet A1) is like gold in Nigeria. Prices swing up and down, but mostly up. Since fuel is one of the biggest costs for airlines, higher prices mean higher ticket prices. And unlike road transport, where you can argue with a driver for ₦500 change, airlines don’t negotiate; they simply adjust the price board.
3. Fewer Airlines, Higher Prices
Competition usually drives prices down, but in Nigeria, the reverse is often the case. With fewer airlines operating key routes, there’s less pressure to keep fares low. If only two or three airlines are flying Lagos to Abuja, they know passengers don’t have too many options. The result? Ticket prices that make you rethink if the trip is really that urgent.
4. Festive & Peak Season Rush
If you’ve ever tried booking a flight in December, you already know the story. Ticket prices can triple within days. It’s simple economics: demand goes up, supply remains the same, and prices shoot through the roof. That’s why your December 18th flight might look “manageable,” but by December 22nd, it feels like you’re paying rent.
5. Operating Costs Are No Joke
Running an airline in Nigeria isn’t beans. Maintenance, airport charges, taxes, staff salaries — they all add up. These costs are spread across the ticket prices passengers pay. When airlines say they’re barely breaking even, it’s not always an exaggeration.
So What Can You Do About It?
Now that we know why prices are high, the real question is: how do you, as a Nigerian traveler, avoid emptying your savings on one flight ticket? Here are some practical tips.
1. Book Early — As Early As Possible
The closer you are to your travel date, the higher the prices. Even if camp or school dates don’t give you months of notice, a few days’ head start is better than booking the night before. Think of it as beating other passengers to the ticket counter.
2. Avoid Peak Days
Friday evenings and Sunday evenings are the “rush hours” of air travel. Everyone wants to fly then, and prices reflect that. If you can shift your trip to Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll notice the difference in your wallet. Same seat, same journey, just cheaper.
3. Embrace Morning Flights
It’s painful, yes. Dragging yourself out of bed at 4:00 a.m. is not fun. But morning flights are often cheaper. Plus, you get to your destination early enough to settle in, and if delays happen (because, well, Nigeria), you still have the rest of the day ahead.
4. Travel Light
Airlines make a lot of money from excess baggage fees. If you can reduce how much you carry, you’ll save a lot. Roll your clothes, pack only essentials, and leave that extra pair of shoes you’re not really going to wear. The lighter your bag, the lighter your bill.
5. Compare Prices Before Buying
Not all booking platforms show the same prices. Some even charge hidden fees. Using a platform like Move9ja helps you compare in one place so you’re not hopping between tabs or paying more than necessary. It’s like buying foodstuff in Balogun — you check a few stalls before you settle.
6. Keep an Eye on Promos
From time to time, airlines and booking sites drop deals. They might not shout about it, but they exist. Signing up for alerts from platforms like Move9ja means you won’t miss them. Think of it like hearing about free Wi-Fi, the people who know first enjoy first.
Flight tickets in Nigeria are expensive for reasons beyond your control, fuel costs, exchange rates, fewer airlines, and high operating costs. But you can control how you plan your trips. Booking early, picking the right days, traveling light, and staying alert for promos can save you more than you think.
At the end of the day, flying doesn’t have to be reserved for the wealthy. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can still move around Nigeria without crying at the sight of ticket prices. And when it feels overwhelming, remember that Move9ja is here to make finding the best deal easier.
