The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has threatened that
all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026 if the price of
Aviation Fuel, Jet A1 is not reviewed proportionately.
The AON is a letter signed by its President, Dr. abdulmunaf Yunusa and addressed to Mr. Clement Isong,
the Executive Secretary / Executive Officer
Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria at
18, Bishop Kale Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, titled Re: Urgent call for proportionate review of Jet A1 price which was copied to the President, Vice President, Aviation Minister , Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and the Director General Department of State Service, stated that that the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from the initial ₦900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300/litre as at today.
The AON said this represents an increase of over 300%.
The Airline body noted that this astronomical and artificial increase is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30% increase in crude oil cost.
The AON letter reads in full : “Our letter dated March 30, 2026, on the above subject matter refers.
Permit us to further bring to your notice that the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from the initial ₦900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300/litre as at today. This represents an increase of over 300%. This astronomical and artificial increase is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30% increase in crude oil cost.
“For the past four (4) 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 reads further that: “The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations. For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already severely impacted one airline, forcing it to ground all operations since March 13, 2026. This may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.
Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance. The continued arbitrary rise in jet fuel prices is both unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing. Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy.”
“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.
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”.
The letter continued that : “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. This serves as our final appeal.
Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and consideration”.
