Aviation Crisis: FG Moves to Prevent Industry-Wide Shutdown

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

The Federal Government has moved to avert a potential aviation crisis, urging domestic airlines to scrap plans for an operational shutdown triggered by soaring fuel prices.

During an emergency stakeholders’ meeting, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo appealed for stability despite the cost of Jet A1 fuel skyrocketing by over 300%—jumping from ₦900 in February to roughly ₦3,300 per litre.

Keyamo praised the resilience of local carriers but cautioned against immediate airfare hikes, noting that higher ticket prices would further burden citizens and stifle travel demand.

Highlighting the sector as a “critical national asset,” the Minister reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to supporting indigenous operators through ongoing government interventions.

He also urged operators to suspend plans to halt flight operations, cautioning that such action could have severe economic implications and undermine public confidence in the aviation industry.

The minister assured stakeholders that the Federal Government is already taking steps to address the concerns raised by operators.

He disclosed that a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja to find a practical and lasting solution to the crisis.

Persecondnews reported that in an earlier letter dated April 14, the Airline Operators of Nigeria had described the sharp increase in fuel prices as “astronomical and artificial,” warning that their revenues can no longer cover operating costs.

The group warned that a shutdown of operations could trigger job losses, disrupt financial systems and worsen insecurity, adding that passing higher costs to passengers through increased fares could significantly reduce demand for air travel.