MM2 terminal full of activity ahead Christmas break

The Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Terminal 2, at the local wing of the airport in Lagos, was full of activity on Friday, as travellers trooped in to fly, ahead of the Christmas break.

Our correspondent who visited the terminal reports that some of the intending travellers said they had to contend with high fares.

A clearing agent, who simply identified himself as Chucks, said prices of tickets to Kano were too high and fully booked for the big airlines.

“The last time I traveled it was N120,000 that I paid but today is very expensive,” he said.

According to him, he was finding it difficult to get economy class ticket, and settling for business class would see him paying double the amount.

Another passenger, who identified herself as Mrs Hariet Aniete, said was travelling with her entire family and had her preference in terms of airlines.

She said that though there was an airline offering cheaper fares to her destination, she would rather book a flight for Saturday with her preferred airline despite the fare difference.

A passenger who simply identified himself as Godswill, boarding Air Peace to Abuja, said the short holiday was a perfect time for family reunion and he bought tickets ahead.

“The hike should be expected, it is usually like that towards Christmas,” he said.

However, a businessman, Mr Sunday Olayemi, told NAN that though the airport was busy, the passenger traffic was still lower than that of last year.

“This time last year, you would have seen long queues of people struggling to buy tickets.

“This time, the pressure is less, because I believe a lot of families will take advantage of the free train rides and 50 per cent subsidy on road transport.

“I only came to make enquiry, let those that are rushing go, I will fly on Christmas day when the prices of tickets will crash,” he said.

A passenger who declined to give his name told NAN that he arrived Lagos since Monday but could not make a return to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital because tickets were fully booked.

He said he had to stay in a hotel since Tuesday and relied on a travel agent to get a ticket on Ibom Air.

“My flight is by 6.30 p.m. but I checked out of the hotel by noon when the ticket lady called and said she was able to secure one for me at N185,000 to Uyo.

“I Immediately transferred the money to her and rushed here, I am happy that I will be in Akwa Ibom for Christmas,” he said.

Some passengers told NAN that several airlines flying to Abuja on Friday were fully booked.