Nigeria’s domestic airlines have issued a stark warning that flight operations across the country could grind to a halt from April 20, 2026, following a sharp and unprecedented rise in aviation fuel costs. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said the surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel has pushed operating conditions beyond what carriers can sustain, raising fears of a nationwide disruption in air travel.
In a formal communication dated April 14 and addressed to Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, the association disclosed that the cost of aviation fuel has skyrocketed from ₦900 per litre at the end of February to about ₦3,300 per litre within a matter of weeks. The group described the increase as excessive and disconnected from global oil price movements.
AON argued that while international crude oil prices have risen moderately—by roughly 30 percent during the same period—the spike in local jet fuel prices exceeds 300 percent, suggesting distortions in the domestic supply chain. The operators maintained that such a sharp increase cannot be justified by global market realities.
The association said its members had continued operations despite mounting losses, absorbing the higher fuel costs for more than a month in an effort to avoid inconveniencing passengers and to support the national economy. However, it stressed that the situation has now reached a breaking point.
According to AON, the current cost structure means that revenue generated from ticket sales is no longer sufficient to cover even fuel expenses, let alone other operational costs such as maintenance, staff salaries, and airport charges.
The group accused fuel marketers of putting immense pressure on the aviation sector, warning that the trend is already weakening the industry and could have broader economic implications if not urgently addressed.
It revealed that the effects are no longer theoretical, noting that at least one airline has already suspended all flights since March 13, 2026, due to the prohibitive cost of fuel. The association cautioned that more airlines could follow suit in the coming days.
Describing aviation as critical to national development, AON emphasized that continued instability in the sector could disrupt business activities, slow economic growth, and limit connectivity across the country.
The operators explained that they are faced with two difficult options: significantly increase ticket fares, which could discourage travel and reduce demand, or suspend services entirely to cut losses. Both options, they warned, carry serious consequences.
AON further warned that a complete shutdown of airline operations would affect millions of Nigerians, including workers, businesses, and industries that rely on air transport. It also noted that reduced air connectivity could have implications for security operations and emergency response services.
The association therefore called on MEMAN to urgently review and adjust jet fuel pricing in line with international benchmarks, stressing that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent a total collapse of the sector.
“Accordingly, we hereby give notice that if this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026. This serves as our final appeal,” the letter stated.
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services.
Industry stakeholders are now watching closely for a response from both the government and fuel marketers, as concerns grow over the potential impact on Nigeria’s already fragile aviation sector.
