FCCPC Intensifies Scrutiny of Airline Ticket as Price Surges on South‑East and South‑South Routes
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has escalated its review of domestic airline fares following complaints about significant increases on routes connecting the South‑East and South‑South regions.
The action comes as many travelers have expressed frustration over what they describe as sudden and steep price hikes during the peak travel season.
The FCCPC noted that some airlines operating on these corridors appear to have engaged in pricing practices that could be deemed unfair or non-transparent.
The commission’s expanded investigation will examine whether airlines have coordinated prices, applied arbitrary increases, or implemented other practices that compromise consumer interests.
Although the commission does not determine ticket prices, its mandate under relevant competition and consumer protection laws empowers it to intervene where pricing conduct undermines fair competition or exploits passengers.
The investigation will assess the reasons behind the increases, scrutinize the methodology airlines use to set fares, and determine whether any practices violate regulatory standards.
Travelers have reported that one-way fares on key routes have risen sharply over recent weeks, sometimes more than doubling compared to previous months. Critics argue that such spikes cannot be fully justified by usual market factors, such as seasonal demand, and see them as evidence of potentially anti-competitive behaviour.
Earlier investigations had prompted airlines to defend their pricing models, with some even pursuing legal action to limit regulatory scrutiny.
Nevertheless, the FCCPC affirmed that the current review will continue independently, and enforcement measures will follow if violations are confirmed.
Consumer advocates have welcomed the commission’s proactive stance, emphasizing that unchecked fare increases risk making air travel unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians, especially during festive periods. They also urged broader reforms to enhance competition and improve transparency in ticket pricing.
The FCCPC has promised regular updates on the investigation and warned that airlines found in breach of consumer protection regulations would face appropriate sanctions.
