Airline Operators Knock FCCPC Over Allegations of Fare Manipulation

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has faulted the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over its interim report alleging that some domestic airlines manipulated ticket prices during the December 2025 festive season.

The association described the commission’s position as damaging to the survival of local carriers and lacking a proper understanding of airline economics.

Spokesperson for the AON and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said although he had not fully reviewed the details of the report, the commission’s intervention was misplaced.

According to him, the FCCPC does not possess the technical expertise required to determine how airline ticket pricing works. He argued that airline pricing is driven by complex operational and economic factors and should not be reduced to simplistic interpretations.

Prof. Okonkwo maintained that while the association respects government institutions, it would not accept conclusions that it believes are not grounded in industry realities.

The FCCPC had, in its interim findings released on February 26, 2026, compared ticket prices during the December 2025 peak travel season with post-peak fares in January 2026. The commission noted significant increases in ticket prices on certain domestic routes during the festive period.

It observed that on some high-traffic routes, single ticket prices rose sharply, with differences reportedly reaching about ₦405,000. The commission suggested that the fare patterns pointed to possible exploitation of consumers during periods of high demand.

The development has reignited debate within Nigeria’s aviation industry over the persistent rise in domestic airfares. Airlines have consistently attributed high ticket prices to increased operating costs, including aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance, multiple taxation, foreign exchange challenges, and high interest rates.

AON officials have repeatedly argued that domestic carriers operate under tough economic conditions and that pricing decisions are influenced by market forces and cost pressures rather than anti-competitive conduct.

The FCCPC stated that its review forms part of its mandate to ensure fair competition and consumer protection. It indicated that further investigations could result in regulatory actions if violations are established.