The Federal Government has appealed to airlines to halt their planned shutdown of flight operations scheduled for April 20, 2026, over the surge in jet fuel prices.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal in a statement dated April 16, 2026, directed to airline operators.
The development follows threats issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) that flights would be suspended from April 20, 2026, after a sharp rise in Jet A1 prices pushed aviation fuel above N3,000 per litre.
What they are saying
Keyamo urged airline operators to suspend any planned shutdown of flight operations and avoid immediate increases in airfares despite the sharp rise in jet fuel prices.
He acknowledged the severe pressure the cost spike has placed on operators while warning that shutting down services would have wide-ranging economic consequences.
- “I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre as at today, representing a three hundred per cent (300%) increase,” the statement read in part.
- “First, I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.”
Keyamo also noted that aviation remains a key sector for national integration, trade, and logistics, and stressed that government engagement with stakeholders is ongoing, with a high-level emergency meeting scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Backstory
Nigerian airline operators had earlier issued warnings that they would suspend operations nationwide starting April 20, 2026. The warning followed what they described as an unsustainable rise in aviation fuel costs.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria communicated the position in a letter to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), citing sharp increases in Jet A1 prices as the key trigger for the planned shutdown.
- Airlines said jet fuel prices rose from about N900 per litre in late February to over N3,000 per litre within weeks.
- They described the increase as more than 300% and disconnected from global crude oil price movements.
- Operators warned that continued operations were becoming commercially unviable despite sustained efforts to keep flights running.
They further argued that the pricing trend had reached a tipping point and warned of broad economic disruption if urgent intervention was not taken.
Get up to speed
Rising jet fuel costs have already been flagged as a major pressure point for Nigeria’s aviation sector. Fuel accounts for more than 40% of Nigerian airline operating costs, according to estimates from industry sources, compared to about 25% in other parts of the world.
- Industry experts had earlier warned that supply constraints could worsen delays and cancellations as marketers struggle to restock Jet A1.
- Aviation fuel stakeholders linked the price surge to supply limitations and broader market pressures affecting availability.
- Analysts said airlines were likely to pass rising costs to passengers, leading to higher ticket prices.
Experts also highlighted that the situation could intensify operational instability if fuel availability continues to tighten.
What you should know
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects African airlines to remain marginally profitable in 2026 despite a projected 6% rise in passenger traffic, as high operating costs continue to squeeze margins.
- African carriers are forecast to make about $0.2 billion in net profit, with an average margin of around -1%. Low revenue per passenger and elevated costs keep profitability weak.
- By comparison, airlines in the Middle East, Europe, and North America are set to post much stronger gains, at $6.8 billion, $14 billion, and $11.3 billion, respectively, supported by more efficient hubs and stable operating conditions.
Rising jet fuel prices are also adding further pressure across the global aviation industry.
