By HeapNews
Aviation industry experts in Nigeria are urging travellers to book flights well in advance and arrive early at airports as the peak Christmas travel season approaches, warning that late planning could worsen ticket racketeering, congestion and flight disruptions.
The advice was given in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, as airlines brace for a surge in passenger traffic during and after the festive period.
Basil Agboarumi, chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Aviation Hub, said passengers should take direct control of their travel plans to avoid flight overbooking by middlemen.
“Travellers are advised to secure tickets months in advance. Early booking not only guarantees a seat during high-demand periods but also secures significantly lower fares,” Agboarumi said.
He urged passengers to buy tickets only through official airline websites, certified ticket offices or accredited travel agencies to curb racketeering and the sale of fake tickets.
Agboarumi also encouraged the use of online check-in, which is typically available between 24 and 72 hours before departure, noting that electronic boarding passes help reduce time spent in physical queues.
He advised travellers to keep all booking receipts and travel documents and to familiarise themselves with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s Passenger Bill of Rights in case of flight delays or cancellations.
Fortune Idu, chairman of the NIGAV Conventional Center, criticised the tendency of some passengers to wait until the last minute before booking flights, a practice he said often leads to higher fares during festive periods.
“Prices of tickets are actually demand-driven, but planning helps,” Idu said, urging travellers to take advantage of early-bird offers.
He noted that while airfare increases could be managed, the deregulated nature of Nigeria’s aviation market means the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) does not fix ticket prices.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) advised passengers to arrive early at airports and report any misconduct to officials on duty.
“As we approach the peak of the Christmas travel season, passengers are strongly advised to plan ahead, secure tickets early, and arrive at the airport well ahead of departure time,” said Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection.
“Passenger volume and security checks are significantly higher during this period. For international flights, arrive at least three hours before departure time, and for domestic flights, two hours,” he said.
Agbebire also urged travellers to factor in possible traffic delays caused by ongoing construction works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.