Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has issued a stark warning that domestic flight operations may be grounded starting April 20 due to the astronomical rise in aviation fuel (Jet A1) prices.
In a formal notice signed Wednesday by AON President Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the body revealed that fuel costs have surged nearly 300%—climbing from ₦900 in February to a staggering ₦3,300 per litre.
The notice, directed at the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria and copied to President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, blames marketers for driving up operational costs.
Sarina pointed out a troubling disparity: while global crude oil prices have only risen by roughly 30%, domestic jet fuel has tripled.
He emphasized that while airlines have absorbed these costs for the past month out of national interest, the current financial burden has become unsustainable.
He, however, said the situation had become unsustainable.
“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily.
“The actions of fuel marketers are putting the aviation industry and the nation’s economy, safety and security at risk, as airlines are being forced to consider suspending operations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this increase has already affected one airline, forcing it to suspend operations since March 13,” he said.
Sarina warned that the crisis is at a breaking point; without immediate intervention, the fallout will be severe.
He cautioned that while airlines could hike ticket prices to cover fuel costs, doing so would likely collapse passenger demand.
Ultimately, a total operational shutdown would trigger a domino effect—threatening thousands of jobs, destabilizing the financial sector, and compromising national security.
“We urge marketers to adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current rates,” he said.
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