Nigeria’s aviation sector is on the brink of a major disruption as domestic airlines threaten to shut down operations nationwide over the soaring cost of aviation fuel.
Newsonspot reports that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that all domestic flights could be grounded starting Thursday, April 30, 2026, if urgent action is not taken.
According to AON, the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices has made operations unsustainable. In February 2026, fuel sold for about ₦900 per litre. Within just two months, prices have surged to as high as ₦3,300 per litre – representing a staggering 270% to 300% increase.
AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina and Vice President Allen Onyema described the situation as critical, noting that fuel now accounts for over 70% of airlines’ operating expenses.
Efforts to resolve the crisis have so far failed. Talks involving the government, airline operators, and fuel suppliers ended without a solution. The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, proposed measures such as a 30% reduction in certain taxes and support to ease airline debts. However, operators insist these steps do not address the root problem – the excessive cost of fuel.
Airlines have also raised concerns about pricing inconsistencies. Despite a roughly 30% rise in global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, local aviation fuel prices in Nigeria have nearly tripled. They argue that this disparity is unjustifiable.
Read This: FG Urges Airlines Not to Halt Flights Amid Jet A1 Price Surge…
Adding to the controversy is the role of the Dangote Refinery. While the refinery is producing fuel locally, airlines claim the pricing structure remains unfavourable and disconnected from global trends.
If no agreement is reached before the deadline, the consequences could be severe. All domestic flights may be suspended for up to seven days, disrupting business activities and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The movement of essential goods, including medical supplies and perishable items, could also be affected.
Major airlines such as Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and Ibom Air have already begun scaling down operations. Some international routes, including Air Peace’s Lagos–London Heathrow service, have also been reduced.
International airlines may continue flying into Nigeria, but they could face delays or be forced to source fuel from outside the country.
For travelers with bookings from April 30 onward, close monitoring of flight schedules is strongly advised as uncertainty looms over the aviation sector.
With no final response yet from the Federal Government, the clock is ticking on what could become one of the most significant disruptions in Nigeria’s aviation industry in recent times.
