Domestic airlines in Nigeria have issued a strong warning of a possible nationwide shutdown beginning Monday, April 20, 2026, over the sharp and sustained increase in the price of aviation fuel, commonly known as Jet A1.
The development was disclosed in a letter dated April 14, 2026, signed by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Abdulmunaf Sarina. The letter was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Isong, with copies sent to key government officials, including President Bola Tinubu.
According to the AON, the cost of Jet A1 has surged dramatically from about N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to over N3,300 per litre in recent weeks—representing an increase of more than 300 per cent within a short period.
The airline operators described the situation as unsustainable, warning that the rising cost of fuel, which accounts for over 40 per cent of airline operational expenses, is pushing the industry toward collapse.
The latest correspondence from the association is a follow-up to an earlier letter dated March 30, 2026, titled “Urgent Call for Proportionate Review of Jet A1 Price.” In the new letter, the AON stressed that no meaningful action has been taken to address the issue, prompting the operators to consider drastic measures.
“Therefore, we hereby give notice that if the current trend persists, all the airlines in Nigeria will be forced to suspend operations with effect from Monday, April 20, 2026. This is our final plea,” the association stated.
Industry stakeholders say the warning signals a critical moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has already been grappling with multiple challenges, including high operating costs, foreign exchange constraints, and infrastructure limitations.
The AON revealed that at least one airline has already been forced to suspend its operations since March 13, 2026, due to the impact of the rising fuel costs. The association cautioned that other carriers could follow suit if the situation is not urgently addressed.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already seriously impacted a particular airline and forced it to ground all its operations since March 13, 2026. This is an inevitable consequence for all other airlines if the situation does not change immediately,” the letter noted.
Airline operators further accused fuel marketers of exploiting global tensions, particularly developments in the Middle East, as justification for the steep hike in prices. They argued that while international crude oil prices have seen an increase of about 30 per cent, the more than 300 per cent rise in Jet A1 prices in Nigeria is excessive and not reflective of global market realities.
“The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the country’s economy, safety, and security at risk as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations,” the AON stated.
The association warned that the potential shutdown of airline operations would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economy, affecting not only the aviation sector but also other industries that rely heavily on air transportation.
“If the airlines go out of business, banks will take a hit, millions of people will lose their means of livelihood, and insecurity will be on the rise,” the group cautioned.
Analysts note that the aviation sector plays a critical role in national connectivity, business operations, and emergency services. A shutdown could disrupt travel, delay cargo movement, and negatively impact sectors such as tourism, commerce, and healthcare.
There are also concerns that a prolonged suspension of airline operations could erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry, which has been striving to attract both local and international investment.
The AON has therefore called on MEMAN and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene by reviewing and adjusting the price of aviation fuel in line with global benchmarks. The association emphasized that immediate action is required to prevent a complete breakdown of airline services across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from MEMAN or the federal government regarding the airlines’ ultimatum. However, industry observers expect that urgent consultations may be initiated to avert a shutdown.
With the April 20 deadline fast approaching, attention is now focused on whether authorities and fuel marketers will take swift action to address the concerns raised by the airlines or risk a major disruption to Nigeria’s air transport system.
