Nigeria’s aviation sector faces imminent disruption as oil marketers drive a 300 per cent surge in Jet A1 prices within four weeks, pushing airlines to the brink of shutdown. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warned that operators may suspend flights nationwide from April 20, 2026, if the pricing crisis persists.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, AON President, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, said prices surged from ₦900 per litre in February to ₦3,300 per litre. This represents over a 300 per cent increase. However, global crude oil prices rose by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
The was letter was addressed to the Executive Secretary / Executive Officer, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Clement Isong.
It also copied key government stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation. This underscores the urgency and national importance of the crisis.
The group described the spike as “astronomical and artificial,” stressing that it is not aligned with international benchmarks. Therefore, airlines now face a severe cost imbalance that threatens their survival.
Airlines warn of planned shutdown over oil marketers
AON stated that airlines have absorbed the rising costs for four weeks. Meanwhile, operators continued flights out of national duty and service commitment. However, the association said the situation has become “unbearable and unsustainable.”
“Airline revenues are now insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter noted. “This is only one of several operational expenses incurred daily.”
The association warned that oil marketers are effectively crippling the aviation industry. In addition, it said the current pricing structure risks national security and economic stability. One airline has already halted operations since March 13, 2026, due to the crisis.
AON added: “If this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026. This serves as our final appeal.”
Economic ripple effects deepen as crisis escalates
The aviation body stressed that continued escalation by oil marketers could trigger widespread economic consequences. Airlines warned that adjusting ticket prices to match fuel costs would reduce passenger traffic sharply.
Conversely, a shutdown would disrupt financial institutions, destroy jobs, and worsen insecurity. Therefore, the stakes extend far beyond the aviation sector.
“Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance,” AON said. “The continued arbitrary rise in jet fuel prices is unhealthy and detrimental to national wellbeing.”
Industry analysts say the situation reflects deeper structural issues in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. Meanwhile, stakeholders are calling for urgent regulatory intervention to stabilise pricing.
Calls for intervention as oil marketers face pressure
AON urged the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria to ensure a proportional pricing review. The association emphasised that Jet A1 prices must reflect global realities.
Regulators such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may need to step in if negotiations fail. Meanwhile, global bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) continue to advocate fair fuel pricing for airlines.
Industry at tipping point
The growing influence of oil marketers in determining Jet A1 prices has become a critical issue. Airlines insist that without immediate correction, operations across Nigeria could grind to a halt within days.
Therefore, the coming week will be decisive for the aviation industry. Stakeholders must find a balance between market forces and sector sustainability.
If unresolved, the planned shutdown could mark one of the most significant disruptions in Nigeria’s aviation history. The outcome now depends on how quickly oil marketers and regulators respond to the airlines’ urgent appeal.
