Airfares across Nigeria are set to rise again as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the introduction of a new $11.50 charge on every air ticket issued in the country, effective December 1, 2025.
The additional levy, which applies to both domestic and international flights, is part of the agency’s plan to enhance aviation safety oversight, regulatory operations, and infrastructural development within the sector.
In a circular issued to airlines and travel operators, the NCAA explained that the charge will be collected per passenger and remitted directly to the authority. The fee, it said, would help strengthen safety audits, personnel training, and technical inspections in line with global aviation standards.
However, the move has sparked concern among industry stakeholders and travelers, who fear the decision will push ticket prices beyond the reach of many Nigerians already grappling with high transportation costs.
Travel agencies have warned that the new charge could add further pressure to an already strained market, where flight prices have nearly doubled in recent months due to exchange rate volatility and increased operational expenses.
An aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, criticized the timing of the new levy, saying it could discourage air travel and reduce passenger traffic. “While the NCAA needs funds to function effectively, such costs should not come at the expense of passengers already burdened by inflation,” he said.
Despite the backlash, NCAA officials maintain that the policy is necessary to sustain regulatory excellence and safety compliance in Nigeria’s fast-growing aviation sector.
Airlines are expected to begin adjusting their ticketing systems ahead of the December 1 implementation date.
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