The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that airlines across the country may suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over what it described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” increase in the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Isong, the group said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to about ₦3,300 per litre.
According to the airline operators, the increase represents more than a 300 per cent rise within a few weeks.
The association described the price spike as “artificial” and said it does not reflect global market trends, noting that international crude oil prices have increased by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
The operators said airlines have continued to absorb the rising costs for more than four weeks out of patriotism and commitment to keeping the sector operational.
However, the group warned that the financial burden has become unsustainable.
“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated, adding that the current situation has reached a point where continued operations are no longer viable.
The AON said the actions of fuel marketers are “decimating the aviation industry” and could have wider implications for Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.
According to the association, the impact of the rising fuel price is already visible across the sector.
It disclosed that one airline has grounded its operations since March 13, 2026, due to the escalating cost of Jet A1 fuel, warning that more carriers could follow if the situation persists.
“Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance,” the letter stressed, describing the current pricing regime as “unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing.”
The operators outlined the difficult choices confronting airlines, noting that increasing ticket prices to reflect fuel costs could discourage passengers, while suspending operations would have serious economic consequences.
They warned that a shutdown of airline operations could disrupt millions of livelihoods, affect financial institutions, and potentially worsen insecurity in the country.
The AON therefore called on MEMAN to intervene and ensure that aviation fuel prices are adjusted in line with international market realities.
“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,” the letter stated.
Copies of the letter were also sent to top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services.
The warning has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector as stakeholders await responses from fuel marketers and government authorities in the coming days.
