…an earlier warning by airline operators, who threatened to halt operations.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| The Federal Government has called on domestic airlines operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to refrain from increasing ticket prices or suspending flight operations despite the sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.
This appeal was conveyed in a letter dated April 16, 2026, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to the leadership of AON. The minister urged operators to exercise patience and restraint in the face of mounting operational challenges.
The development follows an earlier warning by airline operators, who threatened to halt operations from next week over what they described as an unsustainable increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has reportedly risen from ₦900 per litre to over ₦3,300, marking a 300 percent increase within a short period.
While acknowledging the severity of the situation, Keyamo commended the airlines for their resilience and continued service despite the financial strain, noting that their role remains vital to Nigeria’s economy.
He emphasised that the aviation sector is of strategic importance to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting its contributions to trade, national security, job creation, and economic integration.
Against this backdrop, the minister appealed to operators not to transfer the burden of rising costs to passengers through immediate fare hikes, warning that such actions would impose additional hardship on Nigerians.
He also cautioned against any planned suspension of airline services, noting that it could have serious consequences for the economy, disrupt mobility and logistics networks, and weaken public confidence in the aviation sector.
Keyamo, however, assured stakeholders that the Federal Government is actively engaging with the situation and is committed to finding a lasting solution.
As part of efforts to resolve the crisis, he disclosed that a high-level emergency meeting involving key stakeholders and regulatory authorities has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja.
The meeting is expected to explore practical and sustainable measures to address the challenges facing the aviation industry.
The current situation underscores the growing pressure on Nigeria’s aviation sector, where fuel costs account for a significant portion of airline expenses. Industry stakeholders have warned that without swift intervention, the crisis could lead to major disruptions in domestic air travel.
