Airline operators in Nigeria have warned they may suspend flight operations nationwide from next week over what they describe as an “astronomical and unsustainable” increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Isong, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre two months ago to ₦3,300 per litre — representing an increase of over 300 per cent within weeks.
The group argued that the spike is “artificial” and inconsistent with global oil market trends, noting that international crude oil prices have only risen by about 30 per cent within the same period.
According to AON, airlines have continued to absorb the rising fuel costs for more than four weeks out of “patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation,” but warned that the situation has become untenable.
“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated. “The situation has deteriorated to the point where continued operations are no longer viable.”
The operators accused fuel marketers of “decimating the aviation industry,” warning that the development poses serious risks to Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.
The AON disclosed that the effects of the price hike are already evident across the sector, revealing that at least one airline has grounded its operations since last month due to the soaring cost of fuel.
It cautioned that more carriers could follow if urgent measures are not taken.
“Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance,” the group said. “The current pricing regime is unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing.”
The airline operators outlined the difficult options facing the industry, noting that increasing ticket fares to match fuel costs could reduce passenger demand, while suspending operations entirely would have widespread consequences.
They warned that a shutdown would disrupt millions of livelihoods, affect financial institutions, and potentially worsen insecurity across the country.
The AON called on the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria to intervene and align jet fuel prices with international market realities.
“Accordingly, we hereby give notice that if this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective next week. This serves as our final appeal,” the letter read.
Copies of the letter were sent to top government officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services.
The warning has raised fresh concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as stakeholders await responses from fuel marketers and government authorities in the coming days.
