The Airline Operators of Nigeria has warned that airlines across the country may suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over what it described as an astronomical and unsustainable rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, the group said the cost of aviation fuel surged from 900 naira per litre as of February 28 to 3300 naira per litre, representing an increase of over 300 percent within weeks.
According to the operators, the spike is artificial and far exceeds global trends, noting that international crude oil prices have risen by only about 30 percent within the same period. They said airlines had continued to absorb the rising costs for over four weeks out of patriotism and commitment to national service, but warned that the burden is no longer sustainable.
The group stated that airline revenues are now insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, adding that the situation has worsened to the point where continued operations are no longer viable. It accused fuel marketers of actions that are decimating the aviation industry and warned of wider implications for the economy, safety, and national security.
The association revealed that the impact is already being felt, disclosing that one airline has grounded its operations since March 13, 2026, due to the escalating fuel costs. It warned that more carriers could follow if urgent action is not taken.
Describing aviation as a sector of strategic national importance, the operators cautioned that the current pricing regime is unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing. They outlined the difficult choices facing the industry, noting that increasing ticket fares could reduce passenger demand, while suspending operations entirely would have far reaching consequences.
The group warned that a shutdown would affect financial institutions, disrupt millions of livelihoods, and potentially worsen insecurity across the country. It called on MEMAN to intervene and ensure that jet fuel prices are aligned with international market realities.
According to the letter, if the current trend continues, all airlines in Nigeria may be forced to suspend operations from April 20, 2026, describing the notice as a final appeal. Key government officials, including Bola Tinubu, were copied in the correspondence.
The development has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector as stakeholders await responses from fuel marketers and government authorities.
