Aircraft Shortfall and Rising Demand to Keep Nigerian Airfares High, Says Industry Chief

 Nigeria’s aviation sector is set to face persistently high airfares due to a critical shortage of aircraft and rapidly growing passenger numbers, according to Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors.

In an exclusive interview, Sanusi highlighted a global scarcity of narrow-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, which is severely limiting the capacity of Nigerian carriers to meet surging travel demand. This supply-demand imbalance, exacerbated by high exchange rates and inflation, is expected to drive up ticket prices and may eventually reduce the number of people able to afford air travel.

“There is a growth of passengers. Nigerians want to fly. But we have a shrinking aircraft supply,” Sanusi stated. “The result will be increased fares, fierce competition, and a highly volatile market.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has forecast significant passenger growth across Africa. However, manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have reported a shortfall in production, particularly of single-aisle aircraft, which are essential for domestic and regional routes. Leasing companies have also confirmed the global aircraft shortage.

Sanusi warned that Nigeria is ill-prepared to capitalize on this growth, citing a lack of long-term planning over the past decade. He noted that the country is “10 years behind” in aviation development, with inadequate airport infrastructure, insufficient technical training, and limited investment in new aircraft.

While some Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace and Overland Airways, have placed orders for new aircraft, most carriers still rely on older models or leased aircraft, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. United Nigeria Airlines recently announced plans to acquire six Boeing 737-800s, and Air Peace is expecting new Embraer aircraft. Yet, with only around 70 airworthy planes currently operating in the country, capacity remains deeply constrained.

Sanusi also expressed concern that airlines would prioritize profitable routes, potentially leaving smaller airports underserved. He called for strategic government intervention, including infrastructure modernization and policy support, to better align Nigeria’s aviation sector with future demand.

The federal government’s efforts to expand and upgrade Lagos airport were acknowledged as a positive step, though broader infrastructure development is needed nationwide to accommodate projected growth.

For now, passengers should expect high fares to continue as airlines grapple with limited aircraft supply and rising operational costs.