Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema says Nigerians pay the cheapest domestic air fares worldwide, despite recent price hikes. Onyema cited international comparisons, saying a 50-minute Delta flight from Atlanta to Charleston costs $399 (over N600,000), while similar Nigerian routes cost as low as N125,000.
Onyema argued aviation costs are similar globally, but Nigerian airlines face higher financing costs (35% vs 2% abroad) and maintenance challenges. He said local airlines struggle to survive due to high costs and low fares.
The Air Peace boss rejected arguments that pricing should vary by country, saying “aviation is the same worldwide”. He noted Nigerian airlines pay high costs for maintenance, spares, and ferrying aircraft, making it tough to operate.
