The average cost of air travel in Nigeria rose slightly in April 2024, with passengers paying an average of N89,189.19 for a single journey on specified routes. This represents a 0.25% increase from March 2024, according to the latest Transport Fare Watch report published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Comparing year-on-year data, the report highlights a significant 19% increase from the N74,947.30 average fare recorded in April 2023.
Kano State reported the highest average airfare at N96,500 per journey, followed by Ogun State at N95,500, with Enugu and Rivers States tying for third at N95,000. Conversely, Abia State had the lowest average fare at N72,000, followed by Plateau State at N80,000 and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at N82,000.
The NBS report also provided detailed fare analysis across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. The North Central zone experienced a slight 0.42% increase in average airfares, rising to N84,571.43 in April 2024 from N84,214.29 in March. This represents a 15.93% increase compared to April 2023’s N72,950.00.
In the North East, the average airfare increased by 0.50% to N89,733.33 in April 2024 from N89,283.33 in March, marking a 16.45% rise from N77,058.33 in April 2023. The North West zone saw fares rise by 0.37% to N92,128.57, a notable 23.10% increase from N74,842.86 in April 2023.
The South East region’s average airfare rose by 0.58% to N86,700 in April 2024 from N86,200 in March, reflecting a 15.08% increase from N75,340 in April 2023. In the South West, airfares climbed by 0.58% to N92,033.33, a 22.90% rise from N74,833.33 in April 2023.
Interestingly, the South South zone experienced a slight decline in average airfares by 0.92% to N89,833.33 in April 2024 from N90,666.67 in March, though this is still 19.74% higher than April 2023’s N75,025.
Overall, the North West recorded the highest average airfare at N92,128.57, followed closely by the South West at N92,033.33. The North Central region had the lowest average fare at N84,571.43.
These statistics underscore the fluctuating nature of air travel costs in Nigeria, influenced by various economic and regional factors. As airfares continue to rise, passengers are urged to stay informed about these changes and plan their travels accordingly.
