Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Surge in Jet Fuel Prices

Domestic airline operators in Nigeria have warned they may suspend flight operations nationwide from April 20, 2026, over what they describe as an unsustainable increase in the cost of aviation fuel.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said the price of Jet A1 fuel has risen sharply from ₦900 per litre in late February to about ₦3,300 per litre within weeks, representing an increase of over 300 per cent.

In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Mr Clement Isong, the operators described the spike as “astronomical” and inconsistent with global oil price trends.

According to the group, while international crude oil prices have increased by roughly 30 per cent within the same period, the rise in local aviation fuel costs far exceeds that benchmark.

The operators said they had continued to absorb the rising costs for over four weeks out of “patriotism,” but warned that the situation has become untenable.

“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated, adding that continued operations under the current conditions are no longer viable.

The AON further disclosed that the impact is already being felt across the sector, noting that at least one airline has grounded its operations since March 13 due to the high cost of fuel, with others at risk of following suit.

Describing aviation as a critical sector, the group warned that the current pricing regime is “detrimental to national wellbeing” and could have far-reaching implications for the economy and national security.

The operators outlined the difficult choices facing the industry, including increasing ticket fares—which could reduce passenger demand—or suspending operations entirely.

They cautioned that a shutdown would disrupt economic activities, affect millions of livelihoods, and potentially worsen insecurity across the country.

The AON called on MEMAN to urgently intervene and align jet fuel pricing with international market realities, stressing that airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current rates.

“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,” the letter stated.

Copies of the correspondence were sent to key government officials, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as stakeholders await a response from fuel marketers and government authorities.