Nigerian Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Domestic airlines in Nigeria may suspend operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, as operators grapple with what they describe as unsustainable aviation fuel costs, raising concerns of major travel disruptions nationwide.

Industry sources say discussions between airline operators, the Federal Government, and fuel marketers have failed to produce a resolution, leaving carriers with few options as operating costs continue to rise sharply.

At the centre of the crisis is the soaring price of Jet A1 fuel, which operators say has increased by more than 300 per cent since February. The spike has significantly strained airline finances, with some warning that continued operations under current conditions may no longer be viable.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently convened a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja in an attempt to resolve the issue. While the government announced a 30 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes, airline operators say the measure does not address the core problem of fuel pricing.

Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, acknowledged the government’s efforts but insisted that fuel marketers must explain the steep increase in prices. He noted that fuel, which previously sold for about ₦900 per litre, now ranges between ₦2,700 and ₦2,900, with some suppliers charging as high as ₦3,500.

According to Onyema, airlines are currently operating largely to cover fuel expenses, warning that safety cannot be compromised under mounting financial pressure.

Operators have issued an ultimatum, indicating that without urgent intervention, flights could be grounded within days. They have also submitted formal requests to the government seeking additional relief measures, including a temporary suspension of aviation taxes and the introduction of a fuel surcharge to cushion rising costs.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria further urged authorities to regulate fuel pricing and consider credit support for airlines affected by the hikes.

As the deadline approaches, uncertainty continues to grow across the aviation sector, with passengers and businesses bracing for potential disruptions if no agreement is reached.