The high cost of flying to Southeastern Nigeria has become an unignorable issue, with ticket prices soaring well above what most travelers would consider fair. Flights to Southeastern cities like Enugu, Owerri, Anambra and Asaba are consistently among the most expensive in the country, even on routes of similar distance and demand. This pattern raises a troubling question: are airlines taking advantage of Southeastern travelers through deliberate price hikes?
The answer seems increasingly clear. By examining the factors driving up airfare prices, it becomes apparent that a significant portion of these costs could stem from airline policies that exploit high demand and limited competition.
- Exploiting High Demand and Limited Alternatives
The Southeast is a hub of economic and social activity, with a high number of travelers from the region both within and outside Nigeria. Airlines know this, and they know that Southeastern travelers often have limited travel options. High demand and limited competition on these routes create a perfect environment for airlines to charge inflated prices, banking on the fact that travelers have no choice but to pay. This kind of opportunistic pricing strategy reflects a mindset focused on exploiting regional loyalty rather than serving the public fairly.
- Price Disparities on Comparable Routes
It’s telling that flights to the Southeast are significantly more expensive than comparable routes of similar distance and demand. Flights from Lagos to Abuja, for instance, are often priced lower than flights from Lagos to Enugu, even though the distance and fuel requirements are nearly identical. This disparity suggests that pricing on Southeastern routes isn’t strictly determined by operational costs. Rather, it points to a pricing strategy aimed at maximizing profit on routes with high demand and few alternatives. If other routes can manage lower prices with the same fuel and operational costs, there is no reason Southeastern routes can’t do the same.
- Jet A1 Fuel Prices: A Convenient Excuse?
While it’s true that aviation fuel (Jet A1) prices are high, they do not explain why Southeastern flights bear the brunt of this expense. Jet A1 fuel prices impact all routes equally, yet Southeastern routes are consistently more expensive. This suggests that airlines are using fuel costs as a convenient justification to hike prices disproportionately on Southeastern routes, hiding profit-driven motives behind rising operational costs.
- The Cost of Basic Services
Airlines frequently cite costs like landing fees, parking charges, and security expenses as reasons for high ticket prices. However, these are standard expenses for all routes, not just those going to Southeastern airports. The question arises: why are Southeastern routes priced higher if they share the same basic cost structure as other flights within Nigeria? The answer lies in the airlines’ approach to price these routes at a premium, knowing the demand will absorb the cost. Instead of fair pricing based on actual expenses, it appears airlines are padding the ticket price with an added premium—an unnecessary burden on Southeastern travelers.
- The Reality of “Empowerment” Programs
When questioned about high fares, airlines sometimes justify them by highlighting “empowerment” initiatives or corporate social responsibility programs that support the communities they serve. However, these programs often do not benefit Southeastern travelers directly. Meanwhile, they face inflated prices on every journey, with no meaningful reinvestment in the quality or affordability of services provided. Rather than reinvesting in affordable air travel options, airlines seem more invested in extracting as much profit as possible.
- Isolated Price Hikes During Peak Periods
A particularly disturbing trend is the price spikes that Southeastern travelers face during peak periods, such as holiday seasons, traditional celebrations, and election periods. Airlines often double or even triple ticket prices during these times, knowing that travelers have no other option but to pay. While airlines claim this is due to high demand, the reality is that it’s a clear case of price gouging, where profit is prioritized over fairness. No traveler should have to pay double the usual rate simply to return home for a holiday or family event, yet this practice continues unchecked.
Time for Accountability: A Call to Action
If airlines are genuinely committed to serving all Nigerians, they must address the glaring inequities in their pricing strategies. The Southeast deserves affordable, fair pricing that aligns with other regions and reflects actual operational costs—not artificially inflated rates that exploit travelers. It’s time for regulatory authorities, consumer advocacy groups, and travelers to demand accountability from airlines and push back against exploitative pricing practices that harm Southeastern Nigeria.
We urge airlines to reassess their policies and pricing models. The people of the Southeast deserve fair treatment and affordable access to air travel, free from profiteering practices. It’s high time airlines put people before profit and work toward a more equitable aviation industry in Nigeria.
By Duruebube Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Email. chimazuru65@gmail.com
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