Nigeria’s aviation industry is on the brink of a major shutdown as the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has issued a final warning to fuel marketers over the spiralling cost of Jet A1, the lifeblood of airline operations.
In a formal communication dated April 14, 2026, addressed to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), the AON raised alarm over what it described as an unjustifiable and crippling escalation in the price of aviation fuel.
According to the association, Jet A1 has surged from about ₦900 per litre at the end of February to an alarming ₦3,300 per litre – an increase of more than 300 per cent in a matter of weeks.
The letter, signed by AON President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, stressed that the price spike bears no reasonable correlation to global crude oil trends, which have risen only marginally within the same timeframe.
Airlines say they have continued flying despite severe financial strain, absorbing losses in a bid to sustain connectivity and national service. However, the association warned that such resilience has reached its limit.
“Airlines can no longer sustain operations under the current cost regime,” the AON stated, noting that fuel costs now exceed total revenue on some routes. Industry data shows that while aviation fuel typically accounts for a significant portion of operating expenses worldwide, Nigeria’s volatile market has pushed this burden to unprecedented levels.
The crisis is further compounded by foreign exchange challenges, as airlines procure fuel in a market heavily influenced by dollar-denominated transactions. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) remains a key player in supply, yet industry stakeholders argue that systemic inefficiencies and reliance on imports continue to expose operators to price shocks.
The AON revealed that the consequences of the fuel price surge are already manifesting. At least one domestic airline has reportedly suspended operations since mid-March, unable to cope with escalating costs. Others, the association warned, may soon follow if urgent action is not taken.
A shutdown of airline services would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, where air travel remains vital for business, governance, and regional integration. Analysts warn that disruptions could cripple sectors such as finance, oil and gas, and tourism, while also affecting time-sensitive cargo and medical logistics.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has previously highlighted the fragile economics of domestic aviation, noting that operators face high maintenance costs, multiple taxation, and infrastructure challenges alongside fuel expenses.
For passengers, the crisis presents a stark choice: significantly higher airfares or drastically reduced flight availability. Airlines argue that adjusting ticket prices to reflect current fuel costs would likely deter travellers, given Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
Over the past two years, domestic ticket prices have already risen sharply, reflecting the combined impact of inflation, currency depreciation, and rising operational costs. A further increase, industry insiders say, could push air travel beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
In its letter, the AON urged MEMAN to prevail on its members to align jet fuel pricing with global benchmarks. Copies of the correspondence were also sent to top government officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, signalling the gravity of the situation.
Stakeholders have renewed calls for long-term solutions, including domestic refining of aviation fuel, improved regulatory frameworks, and targeted government intervention to stabilise the sector.
With just days to the April 20 deadline, the aviation industry stands at a निर्णing crossroads. The AON has made it clear that failure to address the pricing crisis will leave airlines with no option but to suspend operations nationwide.
As negotiations intensify, the fate of Nigeria’s air transport system – and the millions who depend on it – hangs in the balance.
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