Airlines in Nigeria have warned they may suspend flight operations nationwide from April 20, 2026, following a dramatic surge in aviation fuel prices that has pushed Jet A1 above ₦3,000 per litre.
The development was reported by Channels Television, citing a letter from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).
According to the airline operators, the sharp rise in fuel prices has made flight operations increasingly unsustainable, with carriers struggling to absorb the rising costs.
They warned that without urgent intervention, the industry could face a coordinated shutdown, potentially disrupting air travel across the country.
Airlines issue final warning
In its letter, the Airline Operators of Nigeria said airlines may be forced to suspend operations beginning Monday, April 20, 2026, if the current fuel price trend continues.
The association described the notice as a final appeal after weeks of absorbing rising operational costs.
According to AON, the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel surged from about ₦900 per litre on February 28 to nearly ₦3,300 per litre within weeks, representing an increase of more than 300%.
Airline operators said the sharp spike has pushed operational costs beyond sustainable levels.
They also argued that the increase appears disconnected from global crude oil price trends, noting that global oil prices rose by only about 30% during the same period.
The group added that airlines had continued operating out of patriotism despite heavy financial pressure, but warned that the situation is already “decimating the aviation industry.”
Industry leaders cautioned that a prolonged crisis could affect national security, economic activity, and millions of livelihoods tied to the aviation sector.
Rising fuel costs squeezing airline operations
The warning comes weeks after aviation stakeholders raised concerns that rising Jet A1 prices were already putting pressure on airline operations.
At the time, aviation fuel had crossed ₦2,000 per litre, prompting fears of higher ticket prices and possible flight reductions.
Since then, prices have continued to climb, surpassing ₦3,000 per litre as of April 15, 2026, intensifying the financial strain on airlines already dealing with high operating expenses.
Industry experts estimate that Jet A1 accounts for more than 40% of airline operating costs in Nigeria, making it the single largest expense in the aviation business.
Fuel marketers have also reportedly struggled to maintain consistent supply of aviation fuel, worsening the situation for airlines.
African airlines face thin profit margins
Globally, the aviation industry continues to face rising operational costs, with African carriers particularly affected.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that African airlines will remain only marginally profitable in 2026, even with an expected 6% increase in passenger traffic.
The region’s airlines are forecast to generate a combined net profit of around $0.2 billion, while operating with an average net margin of about -1%, reflecting extremely thin profitability.
Compared with other regions, African airlines face lower revenue per passenger and some of the highest operating costs globally.
By contrast:
- Airlines in the Middle East are expected to record about $6.8 billion in profit.
- Carriers in Europe are projected to earn around $14 billion.
- Airlines in North America are expected to generate approximately $11.3 billion in profits.
Analysts say the recent spike in jet fuel prices is further straining an aviation industry already operating on thin margins, raising concerns about the sustainability of airline operations in Nigeria if the crisis continues.
