NIGERIA: Nigerian airlines have warned they may suspend all domestic operations nationwide from April 20, 2026, following a dramatic surge in the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which has now exceeded ₦3,000 per litre.
The warning was issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) in a letter addressed to the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), according to Channels Television.
AON stated that the sharp increase in fuel prices has rendered flight operations unsustainable, with airlines struggling to absorb the escalating costs. The operators cautioned that unless urgent intervention is made, the country could face a coordinated shutdown of airline services, severely disrupting air travel across Nigeria.
The association described the notice as a final appeal after weeks of absorbing mounting operational expenses. It warned that if the current pricing trend continues, airlines will have no choice but to halt operations beginning April 20.
Jet A1 prices have reportedly skyrocketed from about ₦900 per litre at the end of February to roughly ₦3,300 per litre in recent weeks — representing an increase of over 266 percent. AON argued that this surge is disproportionate to global crude oil trends, which rose by only about 30 percent during the same period, suggesting the spike may be artificially driven.
The group noted that airline revenues can no longer cover fuel costs, making continued operations commercially unviable. While airlines had continued flying in recent weeks out of a sense of national duty, AON said the situation has now become unsustainable.
The association warned that the ongoing crisis is already crippling the aviation sector and could have far-reaching consequences for national security, the economy, and millions of livelihoods if left unresolved.
The development comes after earlier concerns raised by industry stakeholders when aviation fuel prices crossed the ₦2,000-per-litre mark, triggering fears of fare hikes and reduced flight schedules. With prices now exceeding ₦3,000 per litre, pressure on operators has intensified significantly.
Experts note that Jet A1 accounts for more than 40 percent of airline operating costs in Nigeria, making it the single largest expense in the sector. Recent fuel supply challenges have further worsened the situation.
Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that African airlines will remain only marginally profitable in 2026, despite a 6 percent rise in passenger traffic. The region is expected to post a modest net profit of about $200 million, with an average net margin of around -1 percent.
In contrast, airlines in other regions are forecast to perform significantly better. Middle Eastern carriers are expected to lead with $6.8 billion in profits, while European and North American airlines are projected to earn $14 billion and $11.3 billion respectively, supported by stronger operational environments and more efficient cost structures.
The continued spike in jet fuel prices adds further strain to an already fragile aviation industry, where thin margins leave little room to absorb such shocks.
