Local airlines threaten to withdraw services Monday
• Operators decries 300% rise in aviation fuel Indigenous carriers acting under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have issued a notice to withdraw flight services if the
• Operators decries 300% rise in aviation fuel
Indigenous carriers acting under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have issued a notice to withdraw flight services if the Federal Government fails to weigh in on the astronomical hike in aviation fuel price which has risen from N900.00 per litre to over N3,300 per litre.
Describing the hike as unwarranted, the AON, in a letter endorsed by its President Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, who is also the Executive Secretary / Executive Officer to Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, dated April 14, 2026, said between February 28, 2026 till date the product has risen over 300 per cent.
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The AON also sent notices to the office of the President, Vice President, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Director-General, Department of State Services concerning the astronomical and artificial increase, which it said is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices.
Besides, it said the astronomical increase in the price of aviation fuel is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30 per cent increase in crude oil cost.
The umbrella body of local carriers said in the past four weeks, airlines have endured the burden and continued operations out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation.
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However, the situation, the airlines nobody said, has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable.
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“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 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 read.
Accordingly, the AON said it is giving notice that if this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026.
