Airlines have responded to the closure of the Nigerien airspace, a direct route for flights from Nigeria to various European countries, following the recent military coup that removed democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. As a result, passengers seeking to board flights to European destinations are facing adjusted ticket prices.
The closure of the Nigerien airspace, via Niamey, has disrupted the usual flight route from Nigeria to countries like the UK, Spain, Ireland, France, and other European nations. This has prompted airlines to revise their ticket prices, particularly for flights to European destinations.
For instance, the cost of a one-way ticket from Lagos to London, which previously hovered around N3 million, has surged significantly to as high as N5 million due to the airspace closure and related factors.
As international airfares are expected to continue rising in the coming days, Nigerian travelers are encountering the challenge of increased costs for journeys to Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The current exchange rate is further amplifying these costs. Reports indicate that a one-way ticket from Lagos to London with Virgin Atlantic ranges from $3,128.30 (approximately N2.42 million) to $7,578.20 (about N5.87 million) based on the current exchange rate of N774.78 per dollar.
Similarly, British Airways is offering one-way tickets with prices ranging from $2,367 (around N1.83 million) to $8,596 (approximately N6.6 million). As the closure of the Nigerien airspace continues to impact flight routes and availability, passengers can anticipate these revised ticket prices to persist in the near term."
Expert speaks Speaking on the development Atedo Peterside a leading entrepreneur, investment banker, and economist tweeted: "The closure of Niger Republic airspace will increase the cost of flights from Nigeria to Europe.
If Burkina Faso and/or Mali join Niger in declining overflight rights to Nigerian bound aircraft, then inbound and outbound flights from Nigeria to Europe will become very expensive"
