Keyamo Urges Airlines to Restrain Fare Hikes Amid Fuel Costs

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has made an appeal to airlines in Nigeria to exercise restraint concerning their planned increase in airfares and the potential suspension of operations due to the high cost of aviation fuel, specifically Jet A1. In a written letter to the Aviation Operators of Nigeria dated April 14, 2026, Keyamo urged the airlines to bring down the cost of aviation fuel, which has risen to 300 Naira per liter, exacerbated by a 30% increase in crude oil prices.

He highlighted that the airlines are considering suspending operations on April 30, 2026, due to these rising costs. Keyamo's letter, sent on April 16, 2026, emphasized the significant hardship that fare increases would impose on the traveling public and the potential negative impact on demand for air transport.

He also noted the broader economic implications of flight suspensions and assured that the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to addressing these challenges and supporting the aviation sector's growth.