The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned of a possible nationwide suspension of flight operations beginning Monday, April 20, 2026, over the sharp rise in the cost of aviation fuel, Jet-A1.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, AON President, Dr. Abdulmunaf Sarina, raised alarm over the surge in fuel prices from N900 per litre as of February 28 to about N3,300 per litre, describing the increase as excessive and unsustainable.
The letter, addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, and copied to top government officials including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, NCAA Director General Capt.
Chris Najomo, and the DSS Director General, expressed concern over the impact of the price hike on the aviation sector.
Sarina argued that the increase, which exceeds 300 per cent, is not in line with global crude oil price trends, noting that airlines are already struggling to stay afloat under the burden.He warned that the continued rise in Jet-A1 costs is crippling airline operations, with revenues no longer sufficient to cover fuel expenses, let alone other operational costs.“For weeks, airlines have absorbed these costs out of a sense of duty, but the situation is now unbearable and clearly unsustainable,” he said.
The AON president further revealed that at least one airline has already been forced to halt operations due to the rising fuel costs, warning that others may soon follow if urgent action is not taken.
He cautioned that a collapse of the aviation industry could have far-reaching consequences, including job losses, financial strain on banks, and heightened security risks.
AON, therefore, urged fuel marketers to review prices in line with international benchmarks, stressing that airlines can no longer cope with the current rates.
“If the current trend continues, airlines will have no choice but to suspend operations nationwide from April 20, 2026,” the association warned.
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