Nigerian Government Urges Airlines to Avoid Shutdown

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to domestic airlines to halt plans to suspend flight operations amid a severe fuel crisis. In a letter dated April 14, 2026, Keyamo highlighted the alarming increase in jet A1 fuel prices, which surged from N900 per liter on February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per liter, representing a 300% increase.

This rise poses significant operational challenges for airlines, prompting concerns about potential flight suspensions as early as April 20, 2026. Keyamo commended the resilience of airline operators despite these difficulties and urged them to exercise restraint in adjusting ticket prices to avoid further economic hardship for the public.

He warned that suspending operations could have far-reaching consequences, including job losses and disruptions to the logistics network. The government is taking steps to address the situation and has scheduled a high-level stakeholder meeting on April 22, 2026, in Abuja to seek sustainable solutions.