Domestic airlines under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have threatened to shut down operations on April 20 over astronomical increase in aviation fuel price.
In a letter dated March 30, 2926, signed by the President of the association, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, and copied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo and the Director General, Department of State Services, the association brought to the notice of the above persons , the price of Jet A1 as currently sold by marketers.
They alleged that it has risen significantly from the initial ₦900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300/litre as at Wednesday, representing an increase of over 300%.
According to the operators, this astronomical and artificial increase is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30% increase in crude oil cost.
“For the past four weeks, airlines have endured this burden and continued operations out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation. However, the situation has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable. Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily. The situation continues to deteriorate.
“The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations. For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already severely impacted one airline, forcing it to ground all operations since March 13, 2026.”, it said.
The AON said this may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.
“Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance. The continued arbitrary rise in jet fuel prices is both unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing. Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy.
“If ticket prices are adjusted to reflect the current cost of aviation fuel, flights will operate with low passenger loads. Conversely, if airlines cease operations, financial institutions will be impacted, millions of livelihoods will be lost, and insecurity may increase. We therefore urge you to prevail on marketers to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current exorbitant 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. This serves as our final appeal.”, it stated.
