The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that domestic flight operations across Nigeria may be suspended from April 20 if the rising cost of aviation fuel, Jet A1, is not urgently addressed.
In a notice signed by its President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, in Lagos, the group revealed that the price of Jet A1 has surged from about N900 per litre in February to N3,300 per litre, marking an increase of over 300 percent.
Sarina attributed the sharp rise to fuel marketers, noting that the increase does not reflect global crude oil price trends, which he said have only risen by about 30 percent within the same period.
He explained that the spike has significantly increased airlines’ operational costs, making it difficult for operators to sustain services.
“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily,” he said.
According to him, airlines have continued operations over the past month despite mounting losses, but the situation has now become unsustainable.
“The actions of fuel marketers are putting the aviation industry and the nation’s economy, safety and security at risk, as airlines are being forced to consider suspending operations,” he added.
Sarina disclosed that the crisis has already forced at least one airline to halt operations since March 13, warning that more could follow if urgent measures are not taken.
He noted that while increasing ticket prices could help offset costs, it may also reduce passenger demand, creating further financial strain on operators.
A potential shutdown, he said, could have far-reaching consequences, including job losses, disruptions to financial systems, and threats to national security.
The AON has therefore called on fuel marketers to align jet fuel prices with international benchmarks, stressing that airlines can no longer sustain purchases at current rates.
The notice was also sent to key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
What you should know
The sharp rise in Jet A1 prices poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s aviation sector, with airlines warning of a possible shutdown.
Fuel accounts for a major portion of airline operating costs, making the increase difficult to absorb. If flights are suspended, it could disrupt travel, affect businesses, and lead to job losses.
The situation also highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s energy and pricing systems, as stakeholders call for urgent government intervention to stabilise fuel supply and protect the aviation industry.
