The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airline operators to shelve plans to suspend flight operations following the sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, while also cautioning against an immediate hike in airfares.
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, made the call in a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Thursday, amid mounting concerns that carriers may halt services next week due to escalating fuel costs.
The appeal follows reports that the price of aviation fuel has surged dramatically from N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to about N3,300 per litre, representing an increase of over 300 percent.
In the correspondence, Keyamo acknowledged the operational challenges confronting airlines and commended operators for maintaining services despite the difficult business climate.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s recognition of the aviation industry as a critical component of the national economy, noting its role in facilitating trade, enhancing security, creating jobs, and promoting economic integration.
The minister further highlighted ongoing reforms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu aimed at strengthening the sector and supporting local operators.
While recognising the financial strain on airlines, Keyamo urged them to exercise caution in adjusting ticket prices, warning that higher fares could place additional burden on passengers, reduce travel demand, and limit access to air transport.
He also cautioned against any decision to suspend flight operations, stating that such a move could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, disrupt mobility and logistics systems, and erode public confidence in the sector.
According to him, the Federal Government is already taking steps to address the situation and has prioritised the concerns raised by airline operators.
Keyamo disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together key industry players and regulators to develop a practical and lasting solution.
Earlier, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, in a letter dated April 14, described the spike in fuel prices as excessive and unsustainable, warning that current revenues are insufficient to cover fuel costs alone.
The group cautioned that a potential shutdown of operations could lead to job losses, strain financial institutions, and worsen security challenges, while also noting that passing the increased costs to passengers may significantly dampen demand for air travel.
