FCCPC accuses local airlines of fare manipulation during festive season

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has accused domestic airlines of manipulating ticket prices and exploiting passengers during the Christmas and New Year travel rush, following an investigation that uncovered, it said, patterns consistent with price fixing and unfair market conduct.

The findings, detailed in an interim report released Thursday, revealed that fares surged dramatically during the December 2025 festive period despite stable operating conditions, including fuel prices, taxes, and foreign exchange rates. According to the commission, the discrepancies suggest that airlines’ pricing decisions were not driven by cost increases but by deliberate capacity control and pricing strategies designed to maximise revenue during peak demand.

The report showed that on several routes, especially high-traffic corridors such as Abuja to Port Harcourt, ticket prices rose to levels several times higher than post-holiday fares. In some cases, the difference between peak and off-peak fares reached as high as ₦405,000 for a single ticket.

Median fares across sampled routes also rose significantly, with prices clustered within narrow ranges across multiple airlines, an indication the regulator said could point to coordinated pricing behaviour.

Evidence suggests artificial scarcity, coordinated pricing

The FCCPC’s analysis found that fare increases often coincided with reduced seat availability during predictable travel peaks, suggesting airlines deliberately limited supply to drive up prices. While seasonal demand spikes are normal, the commission said the scale and consistency of fare increases across different operators raised concerns about potential anti-competitive practices.

Citing provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, the commission noted that price fixing, abuse of dominant market positions, and unfair contract terms are prohibited under Nigerian law. The report specifically referenced sections addressing agreements that restrain competition, conspiracy to fix prices, and practices that undermine consumer rights.

However, the regulator acknowledged that other operational factors, such as scheduling constraints, fleet utilisation, and seasonal travel demand, could also influence ticket prices. It said further analysis is ongoing to determine whether airlines violated competition and consumer protection laws.

Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the investigation is part of the commission’s mandate to ensure fair competition and protect consumers from exploitative practices. He emphasised that the interim report does not represent a conclusion but provides a basis for deeper structural and route-level analysis.

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“This assessment is intended to provide clarity on pricing behaviour during predictable peak travel periods,” Bello said. “The Commission’s role is not to disrupt legitimate commercial activity, but to ensure that market outcomes remain consistent with competition and consumer protection principles.”

Probe to expand to foreign airlines amid broader concerns

Beyond domestic carriers, the FCCPC said it plans to expand its investigation to foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, citing widespread complaints from travellers about disproportionately high fares on international routes compared with similar routes in neighbouring countries.

The regulator said the decision to broaden the probe reflects growing concerns about systemic pricing issues across the aviation sector, particularly as air travel remains essential for business, tourism, and economic activity.

The interim findings come at a time when Nigerian travellers have faced mounting air transport costs, with festive periods becoming increasingly associated with fare spikes and limited availability. For many passengers, the high prices have made domestic air travel unaffordable during peak seasons.

The FCCPC said its next steps will depend on the outcome of its full investigation. Possible actions could include regulatory guidance, enforcement measures, or sanctions if violations of competition laws are confirmed.

For now, the commission’s report signals increased scrutiny of airline pricing practices and raises the possibility of regulatory intervention in an industry long criticised by passengers for unpredictable fares and limited consumer protections.