The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has responded to allegations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that domestic airlines manipulated ticket prices during the December 2025 festive season.
The FCCPC, in its interim report released Thursday, says it found credible evidence suggesting that airlines raised fares far beyond what operating costs alone could justify.
According to the Commission’s Surveillance and Investigations Department, ticket prices during the December peak travel window were compared with fares recorded in January 2026, and the difference was significant.
The Commission cited the Abuja–Port Harcourt route as a key example, where fares during peak season were reportedly nearly double what passengers paid just weeks later. In some cases, the price difference for a single ticket reached as high as ₦405,000.
The FCCPC noted that while seasonal fare increases are normal in aviation due to high demand, aircraft rotation, and scheduling pressures, the scale of the price hikes raised serious competition concerns. It added that there were no corresponding increases in aviation fuel prices, foreign exchange rates, or statutory taxes during the period under review, suggesting the hikes may not have been cost-driven.
But the AON has rejected the findings.
Speaking in reaction, AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo described the Commission’s actions as “very detrimental to the survival of domestic operators.”
He argued that the FCCPC lacks the technical expertise to interpret airline pricing structures and accused the Commission of “playing to the gallery.”
While emphasising respect for government institutions, AON insists it will not accept conclusions it believes are not grounded in operational realities.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
