Airlines battle low patronage amid soaring airfares

The high cost of airfares is driving many intending travellers to opt for road travel. Air traffic seems to have taken a dip as most Nigerians can no longer air travel.

The average airfare for an hour trip from Abuja to Lagos instance is as high as N150,000 and N200,000 for a one-way ticket depending on the time of purchase. It could be slightly lower if tickets are bought about a month before the intended date of travel.

Passengers feel the pinch in their pockets as air ticket prices hit an all-time high, leaving many to wonder about the factors driving this upward trend.

While operators appear constrained, aviation experts emphasize the need for proactive solutions to address the challenges and alleviate the burden on travellers.

The aircraft on local destinations are barely full because people cannot afford the fares, yet these airlines have refused to reduce fares. It is not certain if the carriers make a profit as a result of low patronage.

Most airports across the nation face serious operational challenges caused by not only cuts in schedules but also revenue.

A sharp reduction in the number of people that travel within the country and the harsh economic reality have not stopped carriers from adjusting fares slightly lower to make room for passenger volume.

Some airports that used to witness many activities are seeing low passenger traffic.  Many of the airlines have scaled down their schedules as airports receive fewer airplanes than before which has led to a reduction in revenue both for the airlines and the country.

In the past, some airports like the Asaba International Airport and Anambra Airport which used to receive about five flights a day have reduced to one and two flights a day respectively.

Flights have stopped coming because many of the airlines’ aircraft are on AOG (Aircraft On Ground). Most of the airlines’ aircraft don’t fly for the moment.

The shortage of aircraft spare parts from vendors and the delay in making them available at the right time have also been cited as probable reasons for the action of some of the operators to remain in business.

In the last few months, airfares across local destinations have continued to rise as a result of rising operational costs.

Airlines sell tickets in naira but do maintenance and repairs, buy spares and carry out aircraft insurance in foreign currencies, especially, the dollar. The naira has continued to depreciate, thereby affecting airline operations.

Former Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt Dapo Olumide said people are probably now travelling by road, adding that those you see at the airport now are big men. 

“So, if the economy is not performing as expected and businessmen are not moving, the airlines will not find the passengers.”

“Once the economy begins to jump, business starts to move; then you see movement in our airports. Where 80 to 85 per cent of the passengers are doing business, most of them are not seeing any business to do now. I guess what is happening in Abuja right now is more politics than business. So it is the politicians that are moving,” he added.

Just recently, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Obiorah Okonkwo who is also the spokesman for Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said as fallout of the present economic situation in the country, passenger traffic has shrunk because those who would otherwise spend money on flight tickets to attend events would rather send credit alerts to their hosts who would graciously accept such kind gesture.

His words, “Passenger traffic has shrunk because even those on social engagement like weddings, burials, and other ceremonies may not be inclined to spend money on flight tickets; they would rather send credit alerts to those hosting the events who would appreciate such gestures. So, they pay instead of appearing in person.”

Wole Shadare