Domestic airlines threaten shutdown April 20 over surge in aviation fuel price

The Airline Operators of Nigeria has warned that domestic airlines may suspend operations nationwide from April 20, if the rising cost of aviation fuel is not urgently addressed.

In a letter issued to journalists on Wednesday, dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, the President of AON, Abdulmunaf Sarina, said the surge in the price of Jet A1 had become unbearable for operators.

The letter read, “Our letter dated March 30, 2026, on the above subject matter refers. Permit us to further bring to your notice that the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from the initial N900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300/litre as of today.

“This represents an increase of over 300%. 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.”

The airline operators said they had continued to operate for weeks despite the financial strain.

“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,” the letter stated.

AON added that revenue generated by airlines was no longer enough to cover the cost of fuel, which represents only one component of operational expenses.

“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,” it said.

The group accused fuel marketers of threatening the survival of the aviation sector and warned of wider economic implications if the situation persists.

The operators stated, “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. This may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.”

The operators further noted that aviation remains critical to national development and warned that the continued rise in fuel prices could trigger severe consequences for the 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,” the operators said.

The association therefore appealed to the marketers to review the price of Jet A1 in line with global market realities.

“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.”

The group warned that airlines may be forced to halt operations if the situation persists.

“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 said

Copies of the letter were also sent to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.

The sharp rise in aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, has been driven by a combination of global and domestic factors, including fluctuations in crude oil prices, foreign exchange constraints, and supply chain challenges.