The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that domestic airlines may suspend operations nationwide from April 20, 2026, citing what it described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Isong, the association said aviation fuel prices have surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre—representing an increase of more than 300 per cent within a matter of weeks.
The AON attributed the spike to what it termed “artificial pricing,” noting that the rise significantly exceeds global oil market trends. According to the group, international crude oil prices have increased by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
The association stated that airlines had continued to absorb the rising costs for over four weeks “out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation,” but warned that the situation has become unsustainable. It noted that current revenues are no longer sufficient to cover fuel expenses, describing the operating environment as no longer viable for continued service.
The group further alleged that the pricing practices of fuel marketers are severely impacting the aviation sector and could have wider implications for Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.
According to the AON, the effects of the fuel price surge are already evident, with at least one airline reportedly suspending operations since March 13, 2026. The association cautioned that more carriers could be forced to halt services if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
Describing aviation as a sector of strategic national importance, the AON warned that the current pricing regime is “unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing.”
The association outlined the difficult choices facing operators, noting that increasing ticket fares to offset rising fuel costs could suppress passenger demand, while a complete shutdown of operations would carry significant economic and social consequences. It warned that a disruption in airline services could affect financial systems, threaten jobs and livelihoods, and exacerbate security challenges.
The AON called on MEMAN to take immediate steps to align jet fuel prices with international benchmarks, insisting that airlines can no longer sustain procurement at prevailing 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,” the letter stated.
Copies of the correspondence were sent to key government officials, including President 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 heightened concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s aviation industry, as stakeholders await responses from fuel marketers and government authorities.
