Nigeria’s aviation sector is on the brink of disruption as domestic airlines warn they may suspend operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over what they describe as unsustainable aviation fuel costs.
Industry sources indicate that operators, after unsuccessful engagements with both the Federal Government and fuel marketers, are preparing to ground flights if urgent action is not taken. The move could trigger widespread travel disruptions, affecting thousands of passengers who depend on domestic air transport for business and essential travel.
At the centre of the crisis is the sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has surged by more than 300% since February. Prices have reportedly jumped from about ₦900 per litre to between ₦2,700 and ₦2,900, with some suppliers charging as high as ₦3,500 per litre.
Airline operators say the spike has pushed operating costs to critical levels, leaving them unable to sustain operations without compromising safety or financial stability.
In a bid to avert a shutdown, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, convened a high-level meeting in Abuja involving airline operators and fuel marketers. However, the two-day tripartite talks ended without resolution.
Following the meeting, the government announced a 30% reduction in aviation-related taxes to ease the burden on airlines. While operators welcomed the gesture, they insist it does not address the core issue of fuel pricing.
The Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Allen Onyema, acknowledged the government’s efforts but stressed that fuel marketers must explain the drastic price increase.
“This government has supported the industry significantly,” Onyema said, “but marketers must account for how prices rose by over 300%, especially when local supply remains relatively cheaper.”
Onyema linked the price surge partly to global tensions, including the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, but argued that the local price increase is disproportionate compared to global trends.
He issued a seven-day ultimatum, warning that airlines would halt operations if no concrete solution is implemented.
“No airline will fly in this country if nothing is done—not because we don’t want to operate, but because fuel may not be available at sustainable pricing,” he said.
Operators also revealed that airlines are now flying primarily to cover fuel expenses. “We are essentially operating just to pay fuel marketers, and safety cannot be compromised,” Onyema added.
Despite concerns about financial obligations, airline executives have dismissed claims of widespread indebtedness. They maintain that operators are current on payments to key agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
In a formal letter dated April 21, signed by AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina, the group outlined additional measures needed to stabilise the sector. These include:
- Immediate suspension of aviation taxes, fees, and charges for at least six months
- Introduction of a non-taxable fuel surcharge, a common practice in global aviation
- Issuance of credit notes by fuel marketers to offset what airlines describe as excessive pricing
- Creation of an industry tax reform committee to align Nigeria’s aviation charges with international standards
The operators warned that the current situation threatens not only airline operations but also jobs, economic activity, and the stability of the aviation industry.
As the Thursday deadline approaches, uncertainty continues to loom. A senior airline executive, speaking anonymously, reiterated the seriousness of the situation:
“If nothing is done, no airline will be flying by Thursday.”
The coming days will be critical in determining whether Nigeria’s aviation sector can avoid a shutdown—or brace for a major disruption that could ripple across the economy.
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