Nigeria launches “Fly Now, Pay Later” for domestic flights

In a move that could reshape how Nigerians approach domestic travel, the Federal Government has rolled out a new credit-based initiative designed to ease the financial burden of flying within the country.

Branded “Fly Now, Pay Later,” the scheme introduces a structured financing option that allows eligible travellers to book domestic flights immediately and spread the cost over time. The programme is being driven by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which formally unveiled the initiative on Tuesday.

At its core, the offering targets a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s aviation space: the steep upfront cost of airfare. By removing the need for full payment at the point of booking, the government hopes to unlock mobility for individuals whose travel plans are often delayed or cancelled due to financial constraints.

CREDICORP explained that the initiative is part of a broader push to expand access to responsible consumer credit while improving everyday living standards. “Eligible customers can book domestic flights today and repay the cost over time through structured financing,” the corporation stated, emphasising that opportunity should not be hindered by immediate financial limitations.

To bring the product to market, CREDICORP is working in collaboration with MyVisaro and Alert Microfinance Bank, partnerships aimed at ensuring both accessibility and financial discipline within the scheme. Interested Nigerians are directed to apply through visaro.ng, where they can select and secure flights to destinations across the country under the new payment model.

The timing of the rollout is significant particularly as domestic air travel in Nigeria has seen sharp price increases in recent times, placing it out of reach for many. During the 2025 Yuletide season, for instance, one-way tickets on some routes surged by about 150 per cent, with fares climbing beyond ₦300,000. Airlines have linked these spikes to escalating aviation fuel costs, foreign exchange pressures, and rising operational expenses.

Against this backdrop, the “Fly Now, Pay Later” initiative positions itself as both a financial tool and a mobility enabler, one that aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen financial inclusion while supporting connectivity across Nigeria’s cities.

Whether it ultimately transforms travel habits or simply offers temporary relief will depend on adoption and execution. For now, however, it signals a notable shift: the idea that flying within Nigeria may no longer be reserved only for those who can afford to pay upfront.