Amid rising aviation fuel costs, the Federal Government has appealed to airline operators to exercise restraint over planned airfare increases or suspension of flight operations.
In a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the government said it was aware of the “sudden hike” in Jet A1 fuel from ₦900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300 per litre as of April 16, 2026 — a rise of about 300 per cent.
The government noted that while the cost surge is placing significant pressure on airline operations, any immediate increase in airfares would worsen hardship for passengers, reduce demand, and limit access to air transport for many Nigerians.
It also cautioned against the proposed suspension of flight operations, warning that such action would have severe economic consequences, disrupt logistics and mobility networks, undermine public confidence, and stall gains recorded in the aviation sector.
According to the minister, a high-level emergency stakeholder meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together relevant operators and regulators to seek a “prompt, practical, and sustainable” resolution. The venue and time will be communicated later.
While commending airline operators for their resilience under challenging conditions, the minister reiterated that the aviation sector remains a strategic national asset under the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022.
He added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the sector and supporting local operators.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government, and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” he said.
Threat of shutdown
Airline operators had earlier warned that they may suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over what they described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise in Jet A1 fuel prices.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, to major energy marketers, the operators under the AON said aviation fuel had surged from ₦900 per litre in February to ₦3,300 per litre within weeks — an increase of over 300 per cent.
They described the increase as “artificial” and out of step with global trends, noting that international crude oil prices rose by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
The group warned that airlines are now unable to recover operational costs, adding that fuel expenses alone have exceeded revenue for some operators.
It further warned that continued escalation could force widespread shutdowns, with one airline reportedly grounding operations since March 13, 2026, due to fuel costs.
Marketers respond
However, major oil marketers attributed the increase in aviation fuel prices to global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which have affected the availability of middle distillates such as diesel and Jet A1.
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong, said transport costs have risen by an average of 50 per cent due to supply chain constraints.
It explained that aviation fuel distribution requires stricter safety and quality assurance protocols, making logistics more expensive than other petroleum products.
MEMAN expressed surprise at claims of a price surge to ₦3,300 per litre, stating that market surveys indicate more competitive pricing exists among suppliers.
The association also advised airlines to adopt long-term fuel supply contracts instead of relying on spot purchases, saying this would help stabilise costs and improve financial planning across the sector.
