Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector is facing a serious operational crisis as airline operators warn of a nationwide shutdown due to the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.
Industry players say the cost of Jet A1 fuel has surged by over 300%, climbing from about ₦900 per litre to between ₦2,700 and ₦3,500, making flight operations increasingly unsustainable.
Airline operators, under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), say they have held talks with government officials and fuel marketers, but no lasting solution has been reached. They argue that current interventions, including a 30% reduction in aviation taxes announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, do not address the core issue of fuel pricing.
AON Vice President Allen Onyema warned that airlines may suspend operations if urgent action is not taken, stressing that operators are now spending most of their revenue on fuel costs. He added that safety could be compromised if the situation continues.
The group has reportedly issued a deadline, with a possible shutdown of flight operations being considered from April 30, 2026, if no agreement is reached.
Airline operators are also calling for broader reforms, including suspension of certain aviation taxes for at least six months, introduction of fuel surcharges, and regulatory adjustments to align local charges with international standards.
Despite ongoing discussions, stakeholders say uncertainty remains high in the sector, with fears of major travel disruptions if the dispute over fuel pricing is not resolved quickly.
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