Investigations have revealed that the resumption of flight operations by Dana Air and Chanchangi Airlines, as well as the coming on board of a new carrier, Med-View Airlines, in the last two months, has led to a significant drop in airfares
It will be recalled that by mid last year, there was a 35 percent increase in airfares across the country from an average of N22,000 to N32,000 due to the suspension of 3 key airline operators.
Airfares on domestic routes have crashed by about 50 per cent from an average of N32,000 to N16,000 for an hour’s flight, following the recommencement of flight operations by Dana Air and Chanchangi Airlines, as well as the coming on board of a new carrier, Med-View Airlines, findings by our correspondent have revealed.
The suspension of flights by Air Nigeria, Dana Air, FirstNation Airlines and Chanchangi Airlines around the middle of last year had led to over 35 per cent increase in airfares from an average of N22,000 to N32,000.
It was gathered that while Dana Air sells its one-hour flight ticket (economy class) for between N14,000 and N20,000(which depends on when the passenger books), Chanchangi sells it one-hour flight ticket at a flat rate of N17,500. Med-View sells its one-hour flight ticket for about N20,000 most of the time while IRS sells its ticket on some routes, especially the Lagos-Kaduna for N16,000.
Aero’s sells its one-hour flight ticket for over N20,000. However, customers who book online may pay less. Arik Air, a major domestic player, sells its one-hour flight ticket for a little above N30,000.
According to The Punch, some top airline officials who craved anonymity, revealed that airfares might crash further when existing carriers acquire more aircraft and more operators begin flying.
However, sources say airfares might not go below N15,000 due to the high cost of aviation fuel and excessive government taxes.
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