Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged domestic airline operators to suspend plans to ground flights next week over the rising cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel, warning that any disruption would have serious economic and social consequences.
Keyamo’s appeal followed threats by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to halt domestic operations in protest against what the group described as a 300 per cent increase in fuel prices, which it said had put airlines under intense financial strain.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to the AON president in Lagos, the minister called on operators to exercise restraint on fare increases and reconsider plans to suspend flights while the Federal Government works to address the crisis.
He acknowledged the challenges facing local carriers, noting that the price of Jet A1 had reportedly risen from N900 per litre on February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre.
Keyamo commended domestic airlines for sustaining operations despite rising costs and difficult business conditions.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu views the aviation sector as a strategic national asset vital to trade, national security, employment, and national integration.
According to him, the government has already introduced reforms aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of indigenous airlines.
The minister advised operators against immediately passing the burden of increased fuel costs to passengers through higher fares.
“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,” the minister stated.
He also appealed for a reconsideration of any planned shutdown, warning that grounding flights would disrupt mobility, logistics, and economic activities nationwide.
Keyamo said such action could weaken public confidence in the aviation system and undermine ongoing reforms in the sector.
The threat by airlines has raised concerns among travellers and businesses, especially as air transport remains a major link between key cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
To resolve the issue, the minister said the Federal Government has scheduled an emergency stakeholders’ meeting for April 22, 2026, in Abuja.
He said the meeting would involve regulators, airline operators, fuel marketers, and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
“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 said.
Earlier, the AON warned that domestic airlines were facing an “existential threat” due to what it described as an “astronomical and artificial increase” in Jet A1 prices by private marketers.
The association said operations could not continue under current conditions, adding that a full adjustment of fares to reflect fuel costs would reduce passenger demand.
“If we price tickets to reflect current fuel costs, we will be flying empty planes,” the group said in a communication to fuel suppliers.
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However, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria disputed the airlines’ claims. Its Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong, said the spot price of Jet A1 on April 14 was N1,832 per litre, lower than the figure cited by operators.
He added that airlines could manage price volatility through long-term supply agreements and hedging strategies.
Analysts say the situation highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s aviation sector to global oil price fluctuations, foreign exchange pressures, and local supply challenges.
With fuel accounting for a significant portion of airline operating costs, stakeholders warn that a prolonged standoff could further strain the industry.
Passengers and businesses are now awaiting the outcome of the emergency meeting, which is expected to determine whether a nationwide disruption of domestic flights can be avoided.