Airline operators in Nigeria have issued a stark warning that they may suspend flight operations nationwide starting April 20, 2026, following a sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
The warning was issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria, which described the recent surge in aviation fuel prices as “astronomical and unsustainable.”
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria the group said the cost of Jet A1 had risen dramatically from ₦900 per litre in late February to about ₦3,300 per litre within a matter of weeks.
AON argued that the increase does not reflect global oil market realities, noting that international crude oil prices have only risen marginally within the same period.
“The current pricing of aviation fuel is artificial and far outpaces global trends,” the airline body said. “This situation is placing an unbearable burden on operators.”
The association disclosed that its members had continued flight operations despite mounting losses, saying airlines absorbed the rising costs for weeks out of “patriotism and commitment to national service.”
However, it warned that the situation had reached a breaking point.
“Airline revenues can no longer cover the cost of fuel alone,” the statement read. “Sustaining operations under these conditions is no longer viable.”
The group also revealed that the impact of the price hike is already being felt across the industry, with at least one airline forced to halt operations in March due to the escalating fuel costs.
AON cautioned that more carriers could shut down if urgent action is not taken, stressing the strategic importance of the aviation sector to Nigeria’s economy and security.
“Aviation is critical to national development, and the current crisis is detrimental to the country’s economic stability and safety,” it added.
The operators outlined the difficult choices before them, noting that increasing ticket fares could reduce passenger traffic, while a full shutdown would disrupt economic activities and livelihoods across the country.
“If the current trend continues, airlines will be compelled to suspend operations nationwide from April 20,” the association warned. “This is a final notice.”
The letter was copied to key government officials, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and relevant aviation and security agencies.
