Airline

Local Airlines Issue Monday Shutdown Threat Over Fuel Crisis

Published

14 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Nigeria airlines jet fuel price crisis deepens as AON threatens to suspend operations over soaring aviation fuel costs

Indigenous airlines operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have threatened to suspend flight services nationwide if the Federal Government fails to intervene in the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.

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The association said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from about ₦900 per litre to over ₦3,300 per litre, describing the increase as “unwarranted” and economically unsustainable for airline operations.

In a letter signed by AON President Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina and dated 14 April 2026, the operators warned that the price spike has exceeded 300 per cent within a short period and is not in line with global crude oil trends.

AON said copies of its complaint were sent to the Presidency, Vice President’s office, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Department of State Services, urging urgent intervention.

According to the association, airlines have continued operating in recent weeks “out of patriotism,” but the situation has now become financially unsustainable, with fuel costs consuming a disproportionate share of operating expenses.

The operators warned that the crisis is already forcing some carriers to ground operations and could lead to wider disruptions if not addressed.

“If ticket prices are adjusted to reflect the current cost of aviation fuel, passenger demand will collapse. If airlines shut down, the impact on jobs, financial institutions and national security will be severe,” the letter stated.

AON further argued that the current aviation fuel price is not aligned with international market movements, which it said reflect only moderate increases in crude oil prices.