By Oluwakemi Kindness,
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have warned that domestic airlines may suspend operations nationwide from April 20, 2026, if the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices is not urgently addressed.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina describes the increase in Jet A1 prices as “unbearable” and unsustainable for airline operators.
According to the operators, the price of aviation fuel has surged from about N900 per litre in February 2026 to N3,300 per litre currently, an increase of over 300 percent.
They argued that the hike is not in line with global crude oil trends, which they estimated at about a 30 percent rise.
AON said airlines have continued operations for weeks despite severe financial pressure, describing the decision as a patriotic effort to keep the sector running.
However, the group warned that revenue is now insufficient to cover fuel costs alone, adding that the situation is pushing the industry toward collapse.
“The situation continues to deteriorate,” the letter noted, adding that some operators have already been forced to shut down operations due to the rising cost.
The association cautioned that if the trend continues, all domestic airlines could be compelled to suspend flights from April 20, 2026, describing the move as a “final appeal” for urgent intervention.
Copies of the letter were sent to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services.
