Domestic airlines in Nigeria are threatening to suspend flight operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, raising fears of nationwide travel disruption.
Airline operators say the cost of Jet A1 fuel has increased by over 300 per cent in recent months, pushing operating costs beyond sustainable levels.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warned that without urgent government intervention, airlines may be forced to ground flights. Fuel prices reportedly rose from about N900 per litre to as high as N3,500 in some locations.
Last week, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, held talks with airlines and fuel marketers in Abuja, but the meeting ended without a resolution. The government announced a 30 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes, but operators say the measure is insufficient.
AON officials, including Vice President Allen Onyema, said airlines are struggling to survive and urged the government to address what they described as unjustified fuel price hikes.
The operators have called for a six-month suspension of aviation taxes and other charges, as well as a review of industry pricing structures.
As the deadline approaches, stakeholders warn that the aviation sector may face major disruption if no agreement is reached.
