Nigerian Airlines Threaten to Halt Operations Over Fuel Prices

Airline Operators in Nigeria have announced plans to suspend operations due to a drastic increase in jet fuel prices, which have surged from N900 per liter on February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per liter as of March 30, 2026. In a letter addressed to Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of the Major Energy Market Association of Nigeria, the operators highlighted that the current fuel prices represent an artificial increase of 300%, which is not aligned with the rise in crude oil prices.

The operators, led by Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa, expressed that the situation has become unsustainable, adversely affecting operational costs and airline revenues. They noted that if the trend continues, they will be compelled to suspend operations effective April 20, 2026.

The letter also emphasized the broader economic implications, including potential job losses and increased insecurity. The operators have made a final appeal to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issue.