Ibom Air has issued a warning that it may be forced to reduce flight operations in the coming days as the cost of aviation fuel soars to unsustainable levels. The airline described the situation as an unprecedented crisis threatening the survival of domestic carriers in Nigeria.
Fuel Cost Surge
In a statement released on April 27, 2026, and signed by Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager of Marketing and Communication, the airline revealed that the cost of fueling a single flight has skyrocketed from approximately N2.1 million in January to about N7.6 million as of April 26. This represents a staggering 350% increase in just seven weeks, according to BusinessDay reports.
The airline noted that such a sharp rise has made normal operations increasingly difficult to maintain. Essienette stated, "It is clear to us that the current conditions are unsustainable. We will have to take whatever ameliorating actions we can in the days ahead, including reducing our capacity if necessary."
The Dangote Paradox
Despite the commencement of large-scale local supply from the Dangote Refinery, which now reportedly meets over 95% of Nigeria's Jet A1 demand, Ibom Air expressed concern that domestic aviation fuel prices remain above global levels. The airline said, "Domestic airlines are baffled at why the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria has ballooned to this level, way above the rest of the world."
The carrier noted that while airlines in other markets typically adjust capacity in response to moderate fuel price increases, Nigerian operators have so far absorbed steep losses to sustain operations and keep fares affordable, as reported by Punch.
Industry Pressures Mount
The warning from Ibom Air comes as Nigeria's aviation sector faces multiple pressures, including disruptions linked to a shutdown threat by the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria over a disputed N9 billion debt allegedly owed by airlines. Ibom Air, which operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ 900 and Airbus A220 aircraft, said the combined pressures from fuel inflation and operational disruptions are now threatening sector stability.
The airline called on fuel suppliers and marketers to urgently review pricing structures, warning that continued increases could force carriers into a situation where they operate "just to pay for fuel and nothing else," raising concerns over long-term industry viability.
Another State Airline on the Horizon
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Sokoto State government is set to enter Nigeria's domestic aviation sector with the launch of Caliphate Air, a state-backed airline targeting operations in the second half of 2026. The carrier plans to operate both passenger and cargo services from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. According to Ch-aviation, Caliphate Air has already secured its Air Transport Licence (ATL) and is progressing through the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
