FG Moves to Avert Airline Shutdown, Convenes Emergency Talks Over Jet Fuel Price Surge

The Federal Government has stepped in to address rising tensions in Nigeria’s aviation sector by calling for urgent dialogue with domestic airline operators over the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.

The intervention follows warnings from airline operators that they may suspend flight services due to the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, which has placed significant pressure on operational expenses across the industry.

In response, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, appealed to members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria to reconsider any plans to shut down operations or increase airfares, stressing the broader economic impact such actions could have.

He acknowledged the difficult conditions facing airlines, noting that fuel prices had risen dramatically in recent months, but urged stakeholders to exercise restraint while government efforts to stabilise the situation are underway.

According to the minister, aviation remains a critical sector for national connectivity, trade, and economic activity, and any disruption to flight services could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and passengers nationwide.

Keyamo also disclosed that a high-level emergency meeting involving key industry players, regulators, and government representatives has been scheduled to find practical and lasting solutions to the crisis.

The meeting is expected to address concerns over rising fuel costs, operational sustainability for airlines, and possible measures to prevent a nationwide flight disruption.

Airline operators had earlier warned that the steep rise in aviation fuel prices had made operations increasingly unsustainable, raising fears of a potential shutdown if urgent intervention was not provided.