Airlines threaten shutdown over soaring jet fuel costs

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that domestic flight operations across the country may be suspended from April 20 due to the rising cost of aviation fuel.

The warning was issued by AON President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, in a notice dated April 14 and addressed to Clement Isong, the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).

According to the association, the persistent increase in the price of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, is placing severe financial strain on airline operators, making it increasingly difficult to sustain operations.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Department of State Services (DSS) were copied to the notice

The group said the price of Jet A1 has increased from N900 per litre as of February 28 to N3,300 per litre — representing a rise of over 300 percent.

The association described the increase as “astronomical and artificial,” noting that it is not in line with global crude oil price benchmarks, which have recorded about a 30 percent increase.

“For the past four (4) 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,” the notice reads.

“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.”

AON warned that the actions of fuel marketers are “decimating” the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations.

The group added that the development has already forced one airline to suspend operations since March 13, warning that it may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.

The airline operators said increasing ticket prices to reflect current fuel costs could lead to reduced passenger traffic, while a shutdown of operations would impact financial institutions, jobs, and national security.

“Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy,” AON said.

“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.”

The association said the notice will be their final appeal.