The domestic terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos recorded higher numbers of passengers on Thursday ahead of the Easter holidays.
Federal Government had declared April 19 and 22 to mark the Easter celebration by Christians in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN correspondents visited the airport terminal and confirmed that more travelers were leaving Lagos to other destinations. The rise of the out-bound passengers led to increase in air fares due to lack of seats on available flights.
At the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), the counters of Air Peace and Arik Air had the long queues of passengers, while Dana Air and Max Air also had the long queues at the MMA2.
affected flights include flight from Lagos to Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Benin have moved up to about N42,000 and 46,000 conpared usually sell for between N25, 000 and N32,000.
Mr Madu Ezechi, A travel agent, , said in his own way, the increase in the air fares was normal due to the high demand by passengers.
“This is a long holiday and many people want to take advantage of it to go home, see their loved ones and settle other issues. “So, getting tickets is a morsel difficult, especially if you are traveling in groups. Some people want to sit with their family members and are willing to pay for it,” Mr Madu said.
Another passenger, Mr George Uko, said many Nigerians have embraced air travel, especially as it was safer and faster. However urged domestic airlines to improve their services by reducing incidents of delayed and cancelled flights.
He furtherly said “Flight delay and cancellation are still big issues. I remember one time my flight was delayed for almost two hours and I nearly missed my appointment. I was not happy at all, “.
NAN information that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had assured passengers and other airport users that her network of airports were fully prepared and ready for the usual upsurge in passenger traffic during the Easter period.
all necessary facilities, infrastructure and manpower had been deployed to ensure flawless operation at the airports this was reel out by FAAN, in a statement signed by its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, on Wednesday
She said that the relevant security agencies had been mobilised to beef up security at all airports during the period and advised intending travelers to make an effort to leave for the airport early enough to ensure that check-in formalities were conducted in good time.
