The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have issued a formal notice to suspend flight operations nationwide starting Monday, April 20, citing the unsustainable surge in the price of Jet A1 (aviation fuel).
They stated this in a final appeal to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on Tuesday. The situation, they said, has reached a boiling point for domestic carriers. According to a letter dated Tuesday April 14, from the AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina, the cost of aviation fuel has skyrocketed by over 300% in just two months.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has significantly disrupted global crude oil production and supply chains, causing volatility in international oil prices. This comes as operators accuse local fuel marketers of “arbitrary and unilateral” price hikes.
They point out that while global crude prices rose by roughly 30%, the local price of Jet A1 increased by over 300%, suggesting market manipulation rather than purely economic drivers. Fuel now accounts for approximately 45% of airline operating costs.
Operators warn that to break even at current fuel prices, ticket fares would have to increase to levels that the average Nigerian traveller cannot afford. AON said airlines have absorbed the burden for four weeks “out of patriotism,” but the situation is now “unbearable and clearly unsustainable,” with revenues unable to cover fuel alone.
The group disclosed that one carrier has already suspended all operations since March 13 due to the price spike, warning that others may follow suit. “If ticket prices are adjusted to reflect the current cost of aviation fuel, flights will operate with low passenger loads.
Conversely, if airlines cease operations, financial institutions will be impacted, millions of livelihoods will be lost, and insecurity may increase,” the letter stated.
The association called the continued rise “detrimental to national well-being” and said the actions of fuel marketers are “effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk.”
AON urged marketers to “proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities,” adding that the April 14 letter serves as notice of a total suspension of operations effective April 20 if the trend persists.
The appeal was copied to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA Director General, and the DSS Director General. Jet A1 accounts for 30 to 40 per cent of airline operating costs globally.
A shutdown by all Nigerian carriers would halt scheduled domestic flights nationwide, affecting business travel, cargo, and connecting international passengers.
