…“Airline revenues are now insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the group stated.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| Indigenous airlines operating under the umbrella of the Airline Operators of Nigeria have issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, threatening to suspend flight operations nationwide if urgent action is not taken to address the soaring cost of aviation fuel.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, and signed by its President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the association described the increase in jet fuel prices, from about N900 per litre to over N3,300, as “astronomical” and unjustified.
According to the group, the price surge represents more than a 300 per cent increase within a short period, a development it says is not in line with global crude oil price trends, which have only recorded about a 30 per cent rise.
The AON said it had formally notified key government offices, including the Presidency, Vice President, Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services, calling for urgent intervention.
The association noted that domestic airlines have continued operations over the past four weeks despite mounting losses, driven by a sense of national duty. However, it warned that the situation has become unsustainable.
“Airline revenues are now insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the group stated, adding that the continuous hike by fuel marketers is crippling the aviation sector and threatening economic stability.
The body further revealed that at least one airline has already been forced to suspend operations since March 13 due to the rising costs, warning that others may soon follow if the trend persists.
It stressed that adjusting ticket prices to reflect current fuel costs could reduce passenger traffic, while a complete shutdown of airline operations would have far-reaching consequences, including job losses, financial strain on institutions, and heightened insecurity.
Describing aviation as a critical sector to national development, the AON urged the government to compel fuel marketers to align prices with international benchmarks.
The association, however, issued a firm ultimatum, stating that if no immediate action is taken, airlines across Nigeria will be forced to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026.
