The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that all
domestic airlines may suspend operations from April 20 over the rising cost of
aviation fuel.
Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the president of AON, gave the
warning in a notice dated April 14, addressed to Clement Isong, executive
secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima,
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigeria
Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Department of State Services (DSS)
were copied to the notice.
The group said the price of Jet A1 has increased from N900
per litre as of February 28 to N3,300 per litre — representing a rise of over
300 percent.
The association described the increase as “astronomical and
artificial,” noting that it is not in line with global crude oil price
benchmarks, which have recorded about a 30 percent increase.
“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,” the notice reads.
“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.”
AON warned that the actions of fuel marketers are
“decimating” the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety,
and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend
operations.
The group added that the development has already forced one
airline to suspend operations since March 13, warning that it may become
inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.
The airline operators said increasing ticket prices to
reflect current fuel costs could lead to reduced passenger traffic, while a
shutdown of operations would impact financial institutions, jobs, and national
security.
“Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious
consequences for the broader economy,” AON said.
“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.
“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.”
The association said the notice will be their final appeal.
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