Ibom Air has warned it may be forced to reduce flight operations as the cost of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), also known as Jet A1 fuel, continues to rise sharply across Nigeria, putting severe pressure on domestic airlines.
In a statement issued by the airline’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, the company said the cost of fueling aircraft has increased by more than 350% in just a few weeks, creating what it described as an unsustainable operating environment.
According to the airline, the average cost of fueling a flight has risen from about ₦2.1 million in January to approximately ₦7.6 million as of April 26, 2026. The airline described the escalation as unprecedented and difficult to absorb.
Ibom Air said the situation is particularly troubling because domestic carriers have been unable to pass the rising costs on to passengers due to competitive pressures and efforts to keep fares affordable. As a result, airlines are reportedly absorbing heavy financial losses in order to maintain operations.
The company added that fuel marketers source the majority of aviation fuel from the Dangote Refinery, yet domestic prices remain significantly higher than global averages, raising questions within the industry about pricing dynamics.
The airline warned that if the situation continues, it may be forced to scale back flight capacity in order to remain operational.
“Worldwide, airlines facing far lower fuel increases are already reducing flights,” the statement noted, adding that Nigerian carriers may have no choice but to follow suit if conditions do not improve.
Ibom Air also cautioned that continued pressure could threaten the sustainability of airline operations, as companies risk working solely to cover fuel costs without covering other essential expenses.
The airline called on fuel suppliers to urgently reassess pricing structures to ensure the aviation sector remains viable.
The warning comes amid wider industry concerns, as reports indicate that domestic airlines may embark on a potential seven-day shutdown beginning Thursday, April 30, 2026, if unresolved fuel price challenges persist.
Efforts to resolve the crisis last week reportedly failed after discussions between government officials, airline operators, and fuel suppliers. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had proposed tax reductions and debt relief measures, but airline operators rejected the plan, saying it did not address the core issue of escalating fuel costs.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) maintained that only a direct reduction in aviation fuel prices would stabilise the sector and prevent further disruption.
With tensions rising, the industry now faces growing uncertainty over flight schedules, costs, and the continuity of domestic air travel in the coming weeks.
