AON May Suspend Flights Over Rising Aviation Fuel Costs

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), led by President Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, issued a letter on April 14, 2026, indicating that they may suspend flight operations on April 30, 2026, due to the exorbitant costs of aviation fuel. The price of Jet A1 fuel has surged from N900 per liter on February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per liter, representing a 300% increase that is not aligned with the global crude oil price trends.

The AON emphasized that the current fuel prices are unsustainable and have severely impacted airline revenues, making it impossible to cover operational costs. The letter highlighted that the situation has become increasingly untenable, with airlines already facing significant operational burdens and potential job losses.

AON urged for a downward review of fuel prices to reflect international market realities, warning that if the trend continues, airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations, with the final appeal for action set for April 20, 2026.