Panic Hit the Rich as Nigerian Airlines Set to Suspend Operations April 20 Over Soaring Aviation Fuel Costs
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that all domestic airlines may suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over the sharp rise in the cost of aviation fuel.
The warning was contained in a notice dated April 14, signed by Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, president of AON, and addressed to Clement Isong, executive secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
Copies of the notice were sent to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the association, the price of Jet A1 fuel has risen from ₦900 per litre on February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre, representing an increase of more than 300 percent.
AON described the hike as both astronomical and artificial, noting that it does not reflect global crude oil price trends, which it said had risen by only about 30 percent within the same period.
The notice stated:
“For the past four weeks, airlines have endured this burden and continued operations out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation. However, the situation has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable.
“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily. The situation continues to deteriorate.”
The group said the actions of fuel marketers are crippling the aviation industry and placing the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk.
It added that one airline had already suspended operations since March 13, warning that other carriers may be forced to follow if urgent action is not taken.
AON further noted that raising ticket prices to reflect fuel costs could reduce passenger traffic, while a complete shutdown of airline operations would negatively affect financial institutions, jobs, and national security.
The association said:
“Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy.
“We therefore urge you to prevail on marketers to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current exorbitant 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.”
AON described the notice as its final appeal to relevant authorities and fuel marketers.