As December approaches, many Nigerians are gearing up for family reunions, Christmas celebrations, and trips back to their hometowns. However, the cost of air travel during this busy season is set to strain budgets, with flight prices skyrocketing compared to regular weeks.

Recent data from Flightpadi, a flight booking platform, reveals that domestic airfare is experiencing significant increases ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. For instance, a flight that typically costs around ₦120,000 can rise to over ₦300,000 during peak travel times. This surge in prices is particularly noticeable for flights scheduled between December 15 and January 4, with some routes seeing fares nearly triple their usual rates.

Routes such as Abuja to Owerri have a lowest one-way economy fare of ₦342,500 during this peak period, a stark contrast to ₦104,000 in a regular week. Similarly, the fare for Abuja to Enugu jumps from ₦105,500 to ₦325,000, while Lagos to Port Harcourt increases from ₦117,000 to ₦342,500. Other routes, including Lagos to Asaba and Benin to Abuja, are also witnessing steep price hikes.

Last year’s festive season serves as a cautionary tale for travelers. Reports indicated that domestic airfares surged by more than 100%, with tickets for popular routes like Lagos to Enugu costing between ₦350,000 and ₦400,000 one-way. Some passengers even reported paying upwards of ₦700,000 for return trips during the holiday rush. However, fares typically drop after the holiday season, with January 2026 seeing prices for Abuja to Lagos flights fall to around ₦125,000 from the previous peak of ₦450,000.

While many routes are experiencing dramatic increases, not all have seen such spikes. For example, the fare from Enugu to Lagos is ₦151,000 during peak times, up from ₦121,000 in a normal week. Port Harcourt to Abuja has a modest increase from ₦117,000 to ₦139,000, indicating that travelers should check prices for their specific journeys rather than assuming all flights will be equally expensive.

Despite rising costs, there are still opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Flightpadi's data has identified certain dates where fares remain closer to regular levels. For instance, a flight from Lagos to Abuja on December 17 is listed at ₦135,000, compared to ₦284,500 on adjacent dates. Similarly, fares from Asaba to Lagos on December 16 and from Enugu to Lagos on December 22 are also relatively affordable.

To help manage travel expenses, here are five strategies for travelers:

• Travel before December 14 if possible to find better fares.
• Compare prices across different travel dates to identify cheaper options.
• Consider returning after the busiest period to avoid inflated prices.
• Compare airlines to find the best deals for your chosen dates.
• Book flights when you find a fare that fits your budget to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Flight booking platforms like Flightpadi can simplify the search process by allowing users to compare prices across various airlines and routes without visiting multiple websites. Additionally, the platform offers an AI assistant, Ava, for booking assistance via WhatsApp, making it easier for travelers to secure their flights.

As the festive season draws near, it is crucial for Nigerians to check flight prices early and remain flexible with their travel plans to avoid the financial burden of soaring airfares. By planning ahead and utilizing available resources, travelers can navigate the holiday rush more affordably.