2026 Hajj: Stakeholders urge states to act as rising aviation fuel costs threaten airlift
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector on Sunday called on federal and state governments to urgently intervene in the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, warning that it could disrupt the
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector on Sunday called on federal and state governments to urgently intervene in the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, warning that it could disrupt the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.
The stakeholders, represented by Concerned Aviation Stakeholders, said immediate action is required to address what they described as a major logistical and financial challenge driven by escalating fuel costs.
In a statement, the group’s president, Bukalti Gamawa, said the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel continues to put pressure on airlines involved in the operation.
He noted that many of the airlines engaged for the 2026 Hajj are expected to lease additional aircraft to meet capacity demands, but increasing fuel costs on both outbound and return trips are eroding projected margins.
“In some cases, airlines may operate at break-even or even at a loss after covering lease and operational expenses. If urgent action is not taken, some airlines may face challenges commencing operations from Nigeria or sustaining return flights from Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Gamawa added that although governments no longer provide direct subsidies for Hajj operations, stakeholders are advocating policy measures such as pricing adjustments, foreign exchange support, and strategic fuel supply arrangements.
He warned that without coordinated intervention involving government, regulators, airlines, and fuel marketers, the 2026 Hajj could witness a significant increase in fares or face operational disruptions.
He stated, "In simple terms, the soaring cost of Jet A1 on both the Nigerian and Saudi sides is the clearest reason why Hajj fares are expected to rise sharply in 2026. When Hajj contracts were negotiated and signed, Jet A1 was selling at approximately ₦1,000 per litre in Nigeria, while the average price on the Saudi side was around $0.68 per litre.
"Airlines structured their fares, logistics, and operational plans around these benchmarks. Today, however, the situation has changed dramatically. Across major departure points such as Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri, Yola, Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi, Jet A1 is now being sold for as much as ₦3,000 per litre, representing a 200% increase from the original price used in contract projections.
"This sharp rise has placed airlines in a difficult financial position. If they are forced to absorb the increased fuel cost, many may be operating at a loss. If pilgrims are made to absorb it, Hajj fares will rise sharply. If the government intervenes, it may require emergency support mechanisms despite the removal of Hajj subsidies in Nigeria."
Gamawa explained that for a single aircraft consuming 70,000 litres of Jet A1 per flight on the Nigexplained, adding that at the contract benchmark of ₦1,000/liter = ₦70 million and at ₦2,500/liter = ₦175 million
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He further noted, "Additional burden: ₦105 million per flight. At ₦2,800/litre: as in Maiduguri, Sokoto, Yola and Kebbi. Fuel cost = ₦196 million. Additional burden: ₦126 million per flight. This means the financial strain on airlines remains enormous, with serious implications for the overall cost of the 2026 Hajj operation.
"Even if the Nigerian government or local suppliers stabilize Jet A1 prices for the first leg of the Hajj operation from Nigeria to Jeddah or Medina, the second phase, which is the return flight from Jeddah back to Nigeria, remains a major unresolved challenge.
"The price of Jet A1 on the Saudi side has reportedly risen from around $0.68 per litre at the time the Hajj contract was signed to approximately $1.40 per litre now. That is more than a 105% increase in dollar terms. For airlines, this creates a double burden: on the outbound leg, high fuel costs in Nigeria (if not subsidized or discounted). Inbound leg: High fuel cost in Saudi Arabia in U.S. dollars
"Unlike Nigeria, where intervention may come through policy or local refinery arrangements, airlines lifting pilgrims back home from Jeddah must buy fuel at prevailing international market rates in foreign currency.”
