Nigerian Airlines Issue Shutdown Ultimatum Over Escalating Aviation Fuel Crisis

Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector is facing a looming disruption as airline operators warn they may halt flight services nationwide if the rising cost of jet fuel is not urgently addressed.

Under the umbrella of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), carriers have raised alarm over a dramatic spike in the price of Jet A1, which has surged from about ₦900 per litre earlier in the year to roughly ₦3,300 in recent weeks. The operators argue that the increase is excessive and does not reflect global oil price trends.

In a formal communication to fuel marketers and top government officials, the airlines described the situation as unsustainable, noting that fuel expenses alone now exceed their total earnings. They stressed that continuing operations under such conditions has become financially impossible.

Despite absorbing the rising costs for several weeks to keep flights running, operators say they have reached their limit. At least one airline has already suspended operations due to the pressure, with fears that others could soon follow if nothing changes.

The group warned that increasing ticket prices to match fuel costs could drive passengers away, while a complete shutdown would have far-reaching consequences for the economy, including job losses, disruptions to banking activities, and heightened security concerns.

Airlines have now set a deadline, indicating that if the pricing issue persists, they may suspend services starting April 20, 2026, in what could become one of the most significant disruptions in Nigeria’s aviation industry in recent times.