Domestic Airlines operators in Nigeria have intimated the Federal Government of their plans to ground their operation s on Monday,April 20,2026 following over 300% increase in the price of JET A-1(Aviation fuel).

This was contained in a letter to the President,Bola Ahmed Tinubu,his vice,Kashim Shettima,Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,Barrister Festus Keyamo,Director General Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,Capt Chris Najomo and Direcor General,Department of State Service signed by  the President,Airline  Operators of Nigeria(AON) Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina

According to the umbrella body of the domestic airlines, the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from the initial ₦900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300/litre as at today.

This astronomical and artificial increase, AON stated, is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30% increase in crude oil cost.

The Operators said 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 stressing that 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 informed that 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.

The domestic airline body further noted that 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.”

In the views of the Operators,  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.”

“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.”