The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airlines in Nigeria to suspend plans to shut down flight operations following a dramatic rise in the cost of aviation fuel known as Jet A1.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who also urged airlines to avoid increasing airfares despite mounting operational pressure.
The intervention comes amid growing tension in the aviation sector, with airlines warning that they may suspend operations due to what they describe as an unsustainable increase in fuel costs.
⛽ Jet Fuel Price Surge Sparks Industry Panic
According to the minister, the price of Jet A1 fuel has jumped from about N900 per litre in February 2026 to around N3,300 per litre currently.
This represents an increase of roughly 300 percent in just a short period, creating severe pressure on airline operations across the country.
Domestic carriers say the sharp rise has made it extremely difficult to sustain flight services, with some warning that revenues can no longer cover even fuel costs.
✈️ Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Rising Costs
The Airline Operators of Nigeria had earlier raised alarm over the situation, describing the fuel price surge as both “astronomical and artificial.”
They warned that continued losses could force airlines to suspend operations, a move that could trigger widespread disruption across the economy.
Industry players also cautioned that a shutdown would not only affect passengers but could also lead to job losses, strain financial institutions, and worsen insecurity concerns due to reduced mobility.
🏛️ Government Steps In With Emergency Intervention
In response, the aviation minister appealed for calm and urged airlines to exercise restraint, especially regarding any planned increase in ticket prices.
He warned that higher airfares could reduce demand for air travel and place additional hardship on Nigerians who rely on aviation for business and mobility.
The minister also appealed directly to airlines to reconsider any plans to suspend flights, stressing that such action would have serious consequences for the economy, logistics, and national connectivity.
🧾 FG Promises Action as Emergency Meeting Is Scheduled
Festus Keyamo assured stakeholders that the Federal Government is fully aware of the situation and is working on urgent solutions.
He disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Abuja. The meeting will bring together regulators and key industry players to find a practical and lasting solution to the crisis.
The government says it remains committed to stabilizing the aviation sector, which it describes as critical to trade, security, employment, and economic growth.
🔥 Final Takeaway
The ongoing crisis highlights the growing pressure on Nigeria’s aviation industry as fuel costs continue to rise sharply.
While airlines warn of possible shutdowns due to unsustainable operating conditions, the Federal Government is pushing for dialogue and urgent intervention to prevent a full disruption of air travel.
For now, the industry remains on edge as stakeholders wait for the outcome of the emergency meeting that could determine the future of domestic flight operations in the country.
