Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo Urges Airlines to Avoid Operational Shutdown Amid Fuel Price Crisis
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a strong appeal to domestic airline operators in Nigeria, urging them to reconsider plans to suspend flight operations. This appeal comes in response to a stark warning from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) that local carriers may halt all flights starting from April 20, 2026, due to the escalating costs of Jet A1 aviation fuel.
Airline Operators Warn of Impending Flight Suspension
The Airline Operators of Nigeria has highlighted a dramatic surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has skyrocketed from approximately N900 per litre as of February 28 to around N3,300 per litre. This represents an increase of more than 300 percent within a short period, placing immense financial pressure on airlines. The operators have expressed deep concern that adjusting ticket fares to reflect these higher fuel costs could severely discourage passenger demand, while suspending operations entirely could have far-reaching negative consequences for employment, financial institutions, and even national security.
Minister Keyamo Cautions Against Fare Hikes and Service Suspension
In a formal letter addressed to the leadership of the AON on Thursday, Minister Festus Keyamo advised airlines to exercise extreme caution when considering any review of ticket prices. He emphasized that any immediate increase in airfares could place additional financial strain on passengers, reduce overall travel demand, and limit access to air transport for many Nigerians. Keyamo also urged operators to reconsider any planned suspension of services, warning that such action could disrupt critical economic activities, weaken public confidence in the aviation sector, and negatively affect ongoing government reforms aimed at improving the industry.
Federal Government Schedules Emergency Meeting with Stakeholders
Minister Keyamo disclosed that the federal government is fully aware of the severe challenges facing the aviation industry and is taking proactive steps to address them. He announced that a high-level emergency meeting involving key stakeholders and regulatory bodies has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja. The purpose of this meeting is to find practical and lasting solutions to the fuel price crisis and ensure the sustainability of domestic airlines. Keyamo commended airline operators for their resilience in maintaining services despite the difficult operating environment and reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu views aviation as a critical sector for national development.
Potential Impact on Domestic Flight Ticket Prices
Industry reports indicate that the sharp increase in Jet A1 fuel prices is partly driven by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Aviation fuel prices have surged to between N1,500 and N1,600 per litre, marking an increase of over 53 percent. This surge is expected to force airlines to raise domestic ticket prices significantly, potentially from around N150,000 to between N185,000 and N200,000. Industry experts note that fuel now accounts for up to 45 percent of airline operating costs, creating significant financial pressure on carriers and threatening the affordability of air travel for many Nigerians.
