Domestic aviation in Nigeria is facing possible disruption as the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warns that flight operations could be suspended from April 20 due to the sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.
The group, through its president Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, raised the alarm over the soaring price of Jet A1, which has reportedly jumped from about ₦900 per litre in February to around ₦3,300 per litre—an increase of roughly 300 per cent.
According to the operators, the surge in fuel costs has significantly increased airline operating expenses, making current flight operations financially unsustainable. They also noted that the spike does not align with global crude oil trends, which have seen a more moderate increase.
The association explained that airlines have continued operating over the past weeks despite mounting pressure, but warned that the situation has now reached a critical point. It cautioned that continued losses could force a suspension of domestic flights, with one airline already grounded since March 13 due to fuel-related challenges.
AON warned that simply raising ticket prices to cover costs could reduce passenger demand, while a full shutdown would have wider consequences for employment, financial institutions, and national mobility.
The notice was also copied to government officials, including President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, as well as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, urging urgent intervention to stabilize jet fuel pricing.
Industry operators are calling on fuel marketers to align prices with international market conditions to prevent further strain on the aviation sector.
