The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has disclosed that it uncovered credible indications that domestic airlines may have manipulated ticket prices during the December 2025 festive travel period.

In an interim report released on Thursday, the Commission’s Surveillance and Investigations Department alleged that several local carriers increased fares to levels that far exceeded what could reasonably be attributed to operational costs.

According to the FCCPC, the findings were based on fare data gathered from airlines operating domestic routes nationwide. The Commission compared ticket prices during the December 2025 peak travel window with those recorded after the holiday season in January 2026.

The report noted that fares rose sharply on multiple routes during the festive period. It emphasised that there were no corresponding increases in taxes, foreign exchange rates, or aviation fuel prices, suggesting that the price hikes were not driven by external cost pressures. Instead, the Commission alleged that airlines may have deliberately raised fares and restricted seat availability during periods of high demand.

The Abuja–Port Harcourt route was highlighted as a notable example, with ticket prices during the peak period reportedly doubling compared to fares just weeks later. On certain routes, the difference in the cost of a single ticket was said to be as high as ₦405,000.

While acknowledging that some fare increases during peak seasons are typical in the aviation industry due to higher demand, aircraft capacity constraints, and scheduling complexities, the FCCPC stated that the magnitude of the price surge observed went beyond what such factors would ordinarily justify.

The interim findings reference several sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 that may apply, including provisions prohibiting anti-competitive agreements, abuse of market dominance, price-fixing, conspiracy, and unfair consumer practices.

The Commission indicated that it is considering a range of enforcement measures as it continues its investigation and works toward a final determination.

Speaking on the development, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the review aligns with the Commission’s mandate to foster fair competition and shield consumers from exploitative practices.

He stressed that the interim report is aimed at clarifying pricing behaviour during predictable high-demand periods and does not seek to hinder legitimate business activities. He added that the Commission’s next steps will depend on the outcome of the full investigation, after which appropriate regulatory or enforcement actions will be taken in line with the law.

Bello further revealed that foreign airlines will soon come under similar scrutiny, citing numerous public complaints about international ticket prices charged to Nigerian travellers. According to him, concerns have been raised that fares on some routes are significantly higher than what passengers in neighbouring countries pay for comparable distances.