Nigerians who plan to fly internationally could soon pay more for tickets. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has introduced a new $11.5 charge that will be added to every ticket issued for flights entering or leaving the country. The new fee takes effect on December 1, 2025.

Airlines have started reviewing their prices to include the new cost. This means travellers may see ticket prices rise once the policy kicks in.

Why the fee Was introduced

The fee is linked to a system called the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). According to the NCAA, APIS will allow airport agencies to receive passenger information in real time before a flight arrives. 

The goal is to strengthen national security, improve border checks, and make data processing faster at airports.

Security and immigration officials will be able to pre-screen travellers, making it easier to track movement and stop threats early. The NCAA says the system is being developed with support from the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Airlines expect Higher operating costs

Air Peace, Max Air, and other carriers are already dealing with expensive jet fuel and foreign exchange challenges. 

Adding this new $11.5 charge creates another cost they must manage. Industry analysts believe airlines will pass the burden to customers through fare increases.

Some experts say tickets could go up by 5 to 10 percent depending on the destination. This has raised concern among travellers who already struggle with high flight prices.

Aviation stakeholders have also criticised the fee, calling it an additional weight on an industry that is yet to fully recover from recent economic pressures.

Who will be exempt?

Not everyone will pay the new levy. The NCAA says some passengers qualify for exemptions including, Infants, Diplomats, Airline crew on official duty, passengers connecting through Nigeria within 24 hours, and travellers rerouted for technical or weather reasons

These groups only make up a small portion of overall passenger numbers, meaning the majority will still be affected.

The fee will be collected for up to 20 years to support the maintenance and upgrade of the APIS system.

The long list of airline charges

Nigeria already has several aviation fees in place, including the $20 security levy introduced years ago. Travellers and airline operators argue that these multiple charges contribute to the high cost of flying, especially on international routes.

The coming fare increases are expected to spark more debate about whether the government is doing enough to create a friendly environment for both airlines and passengers.

The timing of the new charge has sparked more reaction because Nigerian airlines are currently pushing harder into the global market. Air Peace recently began direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, strengthening its presence in Europe. The airline also operates flights to the Caribbean region through Accra.

Other carriers are planning expansions too. United Nigeria Airlines, for instance, has secured six Boeing 737 aircraft to increase capacity and reach more destinations.

What travellers should expect

From December, passengers should prepare for adjustments in airfare. Even small increases can significantly change travel plans, especially for families or frequent flyers.

The bigger question is whether the improved security and smoother airport operations promised by the NCAA will be enough to justify the added cost.