The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airlines not to suspend flight operations despite the sharp rise in the cost of Jet A1 fuel.
Newsonspot reports that the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, also urged operators to reconsider any plans to increase airfares.
The appeal was made in a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, following growing concerns over threats by airlines to halt operations due to escalating fuel prices.
According to the minister, the price of Jet A1 has surged dramatically from N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to about N3,300 per litre, representing a 300 percent increase. Despite this, he commended airline operators for their resilience and commitment to sustaining operations under difficult conditions.
Keyamo reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Bola Tinubu to the aviation sector, describing it as a critical national asset vital for trade, national security, employment, and economic integration. He noted that ongoing reforms under the government are designed to support the growth and sustainability of local airline businesses.
While acknowledging the financial strain on operators, the minister urged restraint in raising ticket prices, warning that higher fares could place additional burden on Nigerians, reduce demand, and limit access to air travel.
He also cautioned against any planned suspension of flights, stressing that such action could disrupt economic activities, weaken logistics networks, and erode public confidence in the aviation industry.
The Federal Government assured stakeholders that immediate steps are being taken to address the crisis. As part of efforts to find a lasting solution, Keyamo disclosed that a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja.
In response, the Airline Operators of Nigeria had earlier described the surge in fuel prices as “astronomical and artificial,” warning that revenues are no longer sufficient to cover operational costs, particularly fuel expenses. The group added that a shutdown could lead to job losses, financial instability, and increased insecurity, while higher ticket prices may significantly reduce passenger demand.
