Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector is moving closer to a possible suspension of operations as airlines struggle with a steep and persistent rise in aviation fuel prices, sparking fears of major disruptions to air transport and broader economic activity.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) disclosed that Jet A1 fuel has surged from about N900 per litre in late February to roughly N3,300 per litre, representing an increase of over 300%.
The association labelled the increase as “unjustified and artificial,” insisting it far exceeds the approximate 30% rise recorded in global crude oil prices.
AON President Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina issued the warning through a formal notice to fuel suppliers, which was also copied to senior government officials, including President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
The notice stated that airlines have been under severe financial pressure for weeks, adding that the cost burden has now reached an unsustainable level.
It further warned that, unless urgent action is taken, all Nigerian airlines may be forced to halt operations from Monday, April 20, 2026, describing the message as a final call for immediate intervention.
The unfolding crisis is being intensified by rising global tensions between the United States and Iran, which have unsettled energy markets and disrupted supply chains.
Reports of restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz a vital route for global crude shipments have tightened fuel availability and increased price volatility worldwide.
Because Nigeria depends heavily on imported refined petroleum products, these external shocks have worsened domestic fuel pricing pressures, particularly within the aviation segment.
At the same time, attention is growing over why Nigeria’s expanding local refining capacity, including production from the Dangote Refinery, has not yet translated into meaningful relief for jet fuel prices despite its rising output.
AON stressed that airline revenues are no longer sufficient to cover escalating fuel expenses, warning that operators are now facing severe survival risks with potential knock-on effects for the wider economy.
The group also accused fuel marketers of worsening the sector’s challenges, noting that at least one airline has already ceased operations since March.
While fare increases could help offset costs, the association cautioned that higher ticket prices would likely reduce passenger demand significantly. A full shutdown, it added, would have far-reaching consequences, including job losses and disruptions to national mobility and security.