As the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) concludes in Ivory Coast, featuring the Super Eagles of Nigeria against the Elephants, the airfare from Nigeria to Abidjan has skyrocketed, disappointing many Nigerians hoping to fly in for the final match, according to a report by Newsmen on Sunday.
Torizone reported an outcry over the exorbitant airfare for the less-than-one-and-a-half-hour journey from Lagos to Abidjan. Airlines such as Air Peace, Asky, and Air Côte d’Ivoire are among the few operating flights to Abidjan.
Checks by the correspondent revealed that one-way tickets from Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) range between N890,000 to N1.2 million, while return tickets cost over N2 million, depending on the airline.
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A check on Asky’s website showed a one-way fare of 1,229,811 for Sunday’s flight during the final match, while the same flight costs N890,000. On Air Côte d’Ivoire, the flight was priced at $913, equivalent to over N1.3 million at N1,450 to a dollar.
Professor Joy Ezeilo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), expressed dismay at the ticket prices. She shared her dream of watching AFCON 2024 live but was shocked by the return ticket cost, estimated at over N2.1 million. Ezeilo emphasized the economic challenges and discouraged converting the amount to US dollars, considering the impact on the academic community.
In contrast, aviation management consultant Babatunde Adeniji explained that the surge in demand for flights to Abidjan led to an increase in the value of each seat due to the unique event. Adeniji cited the principle of supply and demand, noting that the final match’s significance led to a higher perceived value of seats, making them more valuable in the market.