The Federal Government has called on domestic airlines to drop plans to suspend flight operations and hold off on raising airfares, as Nigeria grapples with a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a formal communication to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). The move follows growing tension in the aviation sector over the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel, which airlines say is threatening their survival.
Airline operators recently warned that they may be forced to ground flights due to escalating operating costs. They also pointed to a steep rise in aviation fuel prices, which they claim climbed from about ₦900 per litre in late February to roughly ₦3,300 per litre, making operations increasingly unsustainable.
In his response, Keyamo acknowledged the pressure on airlines but urged them to consider the wider impact of shutting down services or increasing ticket prices. He warned that higher fares could reduce passenger demand and place further strain on the industry, while a suspension of flights would disrupt economic activity and mobility across the country.
The minister reiterated that the aviation sector remains a key part of the national economy and said the current administration is committed to supporting reforms aimed at stabilising the industry. He also appealed for calm, stressing that government is actively working on solutions to address the situation.
As part of ongoing efforts, Keyamo announced that an emergency meeting involving all relevant stakeholders and regulators has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja. The meeting is expected to focus on finding practical measures to resolve the fuel pricing crisis and prevent disruptions to air transport services.
The airline operators had earlier warned that without urgent intervention, several carriers could be forced to shut down operations, a situation they say would have serious consequences for jobs, business activities, and national connectivity.
