Nigeria’s favourite airline, Ibom Air, has explained why air fares on its Uyo routes tend to be higher than fares on other routes.
Here’s the airline’s statement:
Following recent public conversations about differences in ticket prices, we appreciate our customers’ concerns and would like to clarify.
Ibom Air applies the same standard airline pricing methodology across its network. Our pricing is neither arbitrary nor discriminatory; it is subject to applicable regulatory requirements and oversight.
Tickets are offered in different fare classes, beginning with the lowest available fares. As these seats are purchased, bookings move progressively into higher fare bands. Consequently, fares generally increase as a flight fills up or approaches its departure date.
For example, following the recent resumption of our Calabar service, bookings on the route have remained at approximately 20–25 percent of available capacity. This means that more seats in the lower fare bands remain available.
By comparison, our Uyo flights currently record load factors of approximately 95–100 percent. Stronger passenger demand means that lower-fare seats are purchased much earlier, leaving higher fares available closer to departure.
Despite this high demand, Ibom Air deliberately makes a significant number of lower-fare seats available on its Uyo routes. However, a temporary reduction in capacity, while some aircraft undergo scheduled mandatory maintenance checks, has reduced our Lagos–Uyo and Abuja–Uyo frequencies from three daily flights to two.
Capacity is expected to improve with the arrival of our third Airbus A220-300, registered 5N-CDC, and the sequential return of aircraft from maintenance beginning in September. As capacity increases, we intend to offer more lower-fare seats.
Ibom Air must maintain a careful balance between affordability and the cost of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable operations. This is essential to ensuring that the airline remains viable and able to serve its customers over the long term.
Customers seeking lower fares are encouraged to book early, as all fares remain subject to availability.
Ibom Air remains committed to increasing capacity, improving affordability and delivering a safe and reliable travel experience.
