Airline operators in Nigeria have warned of a potential nationwide suspension of flight operations beginning April 20, 2026, following a sharp and sustained increase in the price of aviation fuel.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) disclosed this in a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), citing what it described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise in the cost of Jet A1 fuel.
According to the operators, the price of aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to about ₦3,300 per litre within weeks—an increase of over 300 per cent.The group argued that the spike is “artificial” and disproportionate to global crude oil trends, which have risen by only about 30 per cent over the same period.
The AON said airlines had continued operations for more than four weeks despite mounting costs, “out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation,” but warned that the situation has become unsustainable.“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the group stated, stressing that continued operations under current conditions are no longer viable. The operators further cautioned that the pricing regime is “decimating the aviation industry” and could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security if not urgently addressed.
Highlighting the impact already being felt across the sector, the group revealed that at least one airline has grounded its operations since March 13 due to the rising cost of fuel, with fears that more carriers may follow. The AON outlined the difficult choices facing operators, noting that increasing ticket fares to reflect fuel costs could significantly reduce passenger demand, while a complete shutdown would disrupt millions of livelihoods and economic activities nationwide.“Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance,” the letter stated, warning that the current situation is “unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing.” Issuing what it described as a final notice, the group said:
“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 was copied to key government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, and relevant regulatory and security agencies, as stakeholders await urgent intervention to avert a looming disruption in the aviation sector.
