Air passengers and stakeholders are worried that domestic air fares have surpassed tickets to some West African countries.
This is causing disquiet in the industry even as ticketing staff of airlines are said to be in cahoots with touts at airports, making it difficult for passengers to travel with ease.
It is now becoming increasingly difficult for passengers to seamlessly book for their flights, as checks on the portals of various airlines show that they are almost constantly fully booked, especially on the Lagos-Abuja route.
Findings revealed that ticketing officers of the airlines work closely with online touts to mop up the tickets, especially on the day of the journey.
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International air routes are considered generally more expensive considering the taxes and charges, especially the passenger service charge (PSC) alone, which costs $100 (N156,300 at the official rate as at July 12, 2024).
Checks on Africa World Airlines (AWA) indicated that a one-way flight from Lagos to Accra costs about N233,000 for a Thursday flight, but about N300,000 for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
An Ibom Air flight to Accra costs N266,400 for a one-way ticket, while Air Peace’s ticket to Accra costs N229,000. Also, Air Peace’s Cotonou flight costs N286,000.
A concerned passenger, who gave his name simply as Simon, said: “I have always believed that air fares are high in Africa because of taxes and charges but last week I paid more from Lagos to Benin than I paid from Lagos to Accra, Ghana
“I also paid more from Anambra to Lagos than from Lagos to Accra, Ghana. In the same week, it cost me more from Abuja to Lagos than from Lagos to Accra.
“So, all along, people have been lying to us about taxes and charges because I do not understand paying N230,000 for a 45-minute flight within Nigeria. In one week I paid over N200,000 each time for domestic tickets”, he said.
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