ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government has urged domestic airlines to shelve plans to suspend flight operations and reconsider any proposed hike in airfares following the sharp increase in the cost of Jet A1 fuel.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal in a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Thursday, amid rising concerns over threats by airlines to halt operations next week due to escalating aviation fuel prices.
In the letter, the minister wrote, “I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre as at today, representing a 300 oer cent increase.”
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He praised the resilience of airline operators despite the difficult operating environment.
The letter read, “At the outset, I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the aviation sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister highlighted the industry’s strategic importance.
He stated, “Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.”
“You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.”
Keyamo called on airlines to show restraint in increasing ticket prices despite rising operational costs.
He said, “First, I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.”
The minister also appealed to operators to rethink any plans to suspend flights, warning of broader economic consequences.
He added, “Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.”
He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government was already taking steps to address the situation.
According to him, “I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues.”
The minister also revealed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting had been scheduled to find a lasting solution.
He said, “Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course.”
Airlines have recently expressed concerns over the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, warning that the situation could force them to suspend operations without urgent intervention.
This follows earlier warnings by the Airline Operators of Nigeria that domestic carriers may be compelled to shut down operations from April 20 if the rising cost of aviation fuel is not urgently addressed.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, the operators noted that the price of Jet A1 had jumped from N900 per litre as at February 28 to N3,300 per litre, representing an increase of over 300 per cent, which they described as “astronomical and artificial.”
They stated that airlines had continued operations for weeks despite mounting losses, adding that the situation had become unsustainable as revenues could no longer cover even the cost of fuel alone.
They warned that the trend poses a serious threat to the aviation industry and could force multiple airlines to suspend operations if no intervention is made.
The operators further cautioned that a shutdown of flight operations would have wide-ranging economic consequences, including job losses, disruptions to financial institutions, and increased insecurity.
They also noted that passing the cost to passengers through higher fares could significantly reduce demand for air travel.