Economic Hardship Hits Nigeria: 60% Drop in Travel at Lagos and Abuja Airports

Travel Decline in Lagos and Abuja: Economic Challenges Affecting Tourism

Recent reports indicate a significant drop in international travel from Nigeria, particularly at the Lagos and Abuja airports, with a decrease of up to 60%.

This decline is largely attributed to the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, which have made foreign travel increasingly unaffordable.

Travel agents have noted that the high cost of airfares, driven by a weak naira and the pricing of tickets in dollars, is a major barrier.

For example, a ticket that costs $1,000 can amount to around N1.7 million, and many families are now estimating that a holiday abroad could cost upwards of N20 million.

Consequently, many Nigerians are opting to forgo trips that are not essential, and casual travel has decreased significantly.

Additionally, the removal of fuel subsidies and rising inflation have diminished the purchasing power of many, further impacting corporate travel and leisure trips.

While some airlines have reduced their flight frequencies to adjust to the lower passenger loads, domestic airlines are encouraged to expand their international routes to stimulate traffic.