By Usman Yahaya Ismail
Airlines operating in Nigeria have warned they may suspend operations nationwide from April 20, 2026, over what they describe as an unsustainable surge in the cost of aviation fuel.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), in a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), said the price of jet fuel has risen sharply from ₦900 per litre in late February to about ₦3,300 per litre, representing an increase of over 300 percent within weeks.
The operators alleged that the hike is inconsistent with global trends, noting that crude oil prices have only risen by about 30 percent over the same period.
According to the association, airlines have continued to absorb rising operational costs out of a sense of national duty, but warned that the current situation is no longer sustainable.
“Revenue generated by airlines is no longer sufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the group stated, adding that the industry is being pushed to the brink of collapse.
The AON described the pricing regime as a threat not only to the aviation sector but also to Nigeria’s economy and national security, warning that continued increases could cripple air transport services across the country.
The impact is already being felt, with at least one airline reportedly suspending operations since March due to rising fuel costs. The association cautioned that more carriers could follow if urgent action is not taken.
Airlines said they are left with limited options, including increasing ticket fares, which could reduce passenger traffic, or halting operations entirely, both of which carry significant economic consequences.
They warned that a total shutdown would disrupt financial activities, cut off livelihoods, and worsen security challenges by limiting mobility across the country.
The association called on MEMAN to urgently intervene and align jet fuel prices with international benchmarks, stressing that airlines cannot continue to operate under the current pricing conditions.
“This is our final notice,” the letter stated, warning that if no action is taken, airlines would be forced to suspend operations from April 20.
Copies of the letter were sent to key government officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The development has heightened concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as stakeholders await responses from regulators and fuel marketers.