Nigerian Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Fuel Price Surge

Domestic airlines in Nigeria have issued a warning that they may suspend operations nationwide on April 20, 2026, due to an alarming increase in aviation fuel prices. In a letter dated March 30, 2026, addressed to Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of the Major Energy Market Association of Nigeria, the Aviation Operators of Nigeria, led by Abdulmunaf Sarina, highlighted that the price of Jet A1 fuel has risen from N900 per liter on February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per liter today, representing a 300% increase.

This surge is deemed unsustainable for airline operations, which have already been financially strained over the past month. The letter emphasizes that current airline revenues are insufficient to cover fuel costs, threatening the survival of the aviation sector and potentially impacting the broader economy.

The operators have appealed for a review of fuel prices in line with global market realities, warning that if the situation does not improve, they will be compelled to halt operations, which could lead to significant job losses and economic repercussions.