Fuel Price Hike: Airlines Plan Thursday Shutdown Over Soaring Jet A1 Costs

By Chisom Adaeze

Nigeria’s aviation sector is on the brink of a major disruption as domestic airlines signal plans to suspend operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over the skyrocketing cost of aviation fuel, popularly known as Jet A1.

Industry stakeholders warn that unless urgent intervention is made, the looming shutdown could cripple air travel across the country, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and disrupting business activities nationwide.

Crisis Driven by Soaring Fuel Prices

Operators say the price of Jet A1 has surged by over 300 percent since February, rising from about ₦900 per litre to as high as ₦3,500 in some locations. The sharp increase has pushed airline operating costs to unsustainable levels, with many carriers reportedly flying just to offset fuel expenses.

According to airline executives, the situation has reached a breaking point, with no viable solution in sight despite ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and fuel marketers.

Government Intervention Falls Short

In a bid to avert the crisis, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, convened a high-level meeting in Abuja involving airline operators and fuel marketers.

At the end of the talks, the government announced a 30 percent reduction in aviation-related taxes to ease the burden on operators. While the move was welcomed, industry players insist it does little to address the core issue—the exorbitant cost of aviation fuel.

Airlines Issue Ultimatum

Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, described the situation as dire, warning that airlines may have no choice but to ground operations.

He noted that the recent global tensions, including geopolitical developments affecting oil markets, have contributed to rising prices but argued that the increase in Nigeria appears disproportionate.

“All airlines in Nigeria are currently operating just to pay for fuel. Safety cannot be compromised, and if nothing is done, flights will stop,” Onyema warned.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), led by President Abdulmunaf Sarina, has formally requested urgent government intervention, including the suspension of aviation taxes and charges for at least six months.

Industry Demands Urgent Relief

In addition to tax relief, operators are calling for:

• Introduction of a non-taxable fuel surcharge
• Government oversight of fuel pricing by marketers
• Issuance of credit notes to airlines affected by price spikes
• Establishment of a tax reform committee for the aviation sector

Airlines argue that without these measures, the crisis could lead to widespread job losses and long-term damage to Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Passengers Face Uncertainty

The potential shutdown has raised serious concerns among passengers who depend on domestic flights for business, medical trips, and urgent travel. Many now face uncertainty as the deadline approaches, with fears of last-minute cancellations and disruptions.

Despite speculation about financial challenges, airline officials insist they remain up to date on payments to key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

A Sector on the Edge

As Thursday’s deadline looms, stakeholders warn that the situation remains critical. Another airline executive, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the shutdown threat is real.

“If nothing is done, no airline will be flying,” the source said.

The unfolding crisis underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s aviation sector and raises urgent questions about fuel pricing, regulation, and the sustainability of air travel in Africa’s largest economy.