Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) logo
By Our Reporter
The aviation sector is about to experience another turbulent times as the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has threatened to suspend operations from April 20, 2026, citing what it described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Mr. Clement Isong, the group said aviation fuel prices have surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre, representing an increase of over 300 per cent within weeks.
AON described the spike as “artificial,” noting that it far exceeds global trends, with international crude oil prices rising by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
The operators said they had continued to absorb the rising 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 unsustainable.
According to the group, airline revenues can no longer cover the cost of fuel alone, making continued operations increasingly unviable.
It further accused fuel marketers of “decimating the aviation industry,” warning that the situation poses wider risks to Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.
The association disclosed that the impact is already being felt, revealing that one airline has grounded all operations since March 13, 2026, due to the rising cost of fuel, and cautioned that more carriers could follow if urgent steps are not taken.
Describing aviation as a sector of strategic national importance, AON said the current pricing regime is “unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing.”
The group outlined the difficult choices facing operators, noting that increasing ticket fares to match fuel costs could reduce passenger traffic, while suspending operations entirely would have far-reaching consequences.
It warned that a shutdown could disrupt millions of livelihoods, affect financial institutions, and worsen insecurity across the country.
AON called on MEMAN to intervene and ensure that jet fuel prices are aligned with international market realities, stressing that airlines can no longer sustain purchases at current rates.
“Accordingly, we hereby give notice that if this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026. This serves as our final appeal,” the letter stated.
Copies of the letter were sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector as stakeholders await responses from fuel marketers and government authorities.
