Nigerian Airlines to Suspend Operations from April 20 Over Jet Fuel

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), an industry body grouping around a dozen mainly domestic carriers, have announced plans to suspend all flight ​operations from April 20, due to the high cost of jet fuel.

The organisation wrote to the Major Energies Marketers Association ​of Nigeria (MEMAN) on April 14, complaining that jet fuel prices had risen ​by about 270 per cent since late February, and accused the country’s fuel marketers of artificially inflating the cost.

The cost of fuel has generally risen in the last two months due to the escalating war with Iran by the US and Israel, which has triggered one of the most severe energy shocks in decades. Oil prices have surged above $115 per barrel as markets react to escalating tensions and the risk of prolonged disruption.

At the centre of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply flows. With shipping constrained, the effects are cascading across the global economy, raising fuel costs, fueling inflation, and increasing the risk of economic slowdown across many economies.

AON called the jet ​fuel increase in Nigeria “astronomical and artificial,” saying it far outpaced global crude oil prices.

The airline’s body said the hike situation has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable.

“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily. The situation continues to deteriorate.

“The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already severely impacted one airline, forcing it to ground all operations since March 13, 2026. This may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.

“Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance. The continued arbitrary rise in jet fuel prices is both unhealthy and detrimental to national well-being. Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy.

“If ticket prices are adjusted to reflect the current cost of aviation fuel, flights will operate with low passenger loads. Conversely, if airlines cease operations, financial institutions will be impacted, millions of livelihoods will be lost, and insecurity may increase.

“We therefore urge you to prevail on marketers to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current exorbitant rates,” the letter read.