Nigerian airlines have threatened to suspend operations from April 20 following a 300 per cent hike in the price of Jet A1.
The stark warning was contained in a letter by
the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)
addressed to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
The airline body decried what it described as an “astronomical and artificial” increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre, representing a rise of over 300 per cent within weeks.
The AON argued that the sharp increase is not reflective of global crude oil price trends, which it said have only recorded about a 30 per cent rise within the same period. Airlines, it noted, have continued to operate under intense financial pressure for the past four weeks, but warned that the situation has now become “unbearable and unsustainable.”
According to the group, airline revenues are no longer sufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, raising serious concerns about the viability of continued operations. It added that the actions of fuel marketers are “decimating” the aviation sector and could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy, safety, and security.
The association disclosed that at least one airline has already been forced to suspend operations since March 13, 2026, due to the fuel price crisis, cautioning that others may soon follow if urgent action is not taken.
AON stressed that aviation remains a critical national infrastructure, warning that a shutdown of airline services could disrupt economic activities, affect financial institutions, and lead to widespread job losses.
It also noted that passing the increased fuel cost to passengers through higher ticket prices could result in low patronage, further compounding the crisis.
The group therefore called on marketers to review Jet A1 prices in line with international market realities, urging immediate intervention to avert a total industry shutdown.
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.
The warning signals a looming disruption in Nigeria’s aviation sector if the fuel pricing dispute remains unresolved in the coming days.