Domestic airlines may ground flights across Nigeria from Thursday, April 30, 2026, as jet fuel prices spiral out of control, operators warned.
Airline Operators of Nigeria says the cost of Jet A1 has jumped over 300% since February, driving operating costs to “unsustainable levels.” Talks with the Federal Government and fuel marketers have failed to produce a fix.
The threat follows a crisis meeting in Abuja convened by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo with airlines and fuel suppliers. Government announced a 30% cut in aviation-related taxes, but carriers say it doesn’t touch the real problem: fuel pricing.
AON Vice President Allen Onyema said airlines can no longer absorb the shock. Jet A1 has climbed from about ₦900 per litre to as high as ₦3,500.
“We are now operating mainly to pay for fuel,” Onyema said. “Safety cannot be compromised under such pressure.” He questioned marketers’ pricing, calling the hikes “disproportionate to global trends.”
● Seven-Day Ultimatum
AON has given government seven days to act, warning flights will be grounded if no solution emerges. Separately, AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina asked for a six-month suspension of aviation taxes and charges, plus fuel surcharges and credit support for airlines.
Industry sources say operators do not owe key agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, contrary to speculation.
● Shutdown Looms
With the April 30 deadline days away, uncertainty hangs over the aviation sector. Insiders say a shutdown is likely unless urgent steps are taken, threatening major travel disruption nationwide.
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