Airlines threaten shutdown over soaring jet fuel prices

Domestic airlines in Nigeria are considering suspending operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over soaring aviation fuel costs, raising concerns about major travel disruptions nationwide.

Operators say the price of Jet A1 has surged by more than 300 per cent since February, pushing operating costs to unsustainable levels. Despite engagements with the Federal Government and fuel marketers, no agreement has been reached, leaving airlines with few options.

The crisis comes after a meeting convened in Abuja by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, involving airline operators and fuel suppliers. Although the government announced a 30 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes, operators insist the measure does not address the core issue of fuel pricing.

Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, said airlines can no longer cope with the sharp increase, noting that fuel prices have risen from about ₦900 per litre to as high as ₦3,500.

He warned that airlines are now operating mainly to pay for fuel, stressing that safety cannot be compromised under such pressure. Onyema also questioned the pricing by marketers, describing the hikes as disproportionate to global trends.

The group has issued a seven-day ultimatum for action, warning that flights may be grounded if no solution is reached. In a separate request, AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina called on the government to suspend aviation taxes and charges for six months and introduce measures such as fuel surcharges and credit support for airlines.

Industry sources maintain that operators are not indebted to key agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, contrary to speculation.

As the deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over the aviation sector, with insiders warning that a shutdown remains likely if urgent steps are not taken.