Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, has warned that airways throughout the nation might droop operations from April 20, 2026, over what it described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise within the worth of Jet A1 gasoline.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Govt Secretary of the Main Energies Entrepreneurs Affiliation of Nigeria, MEMAN, Mr. Clement Isong, AON mentioned the price of aviation gasoline has surged from N900 per litre as of February 28 to N3,300 per litre, a rise of over 300 % inside weeks.
In accordance with the physique, the spike is “synthetic” and much exceeds world traits, noting that worldwide crude oil costs have risen by solely about 30 % throughout the identical interval.
The operators mentioned airways have continued to soak up the rising prices for over 4 weeks out of “patriotism and within the spirit of service to the nation,” however they warned that the burden is now not manageable.
“Airline revenues are inadequate to cowl the price of gasoline alone,” the letter mentioned, including that the scenario has deteriorated to the purpose the place continued operations are now not viable.
The group warned that the actions of gasoline entrepreneurs are “decimating the aviation trade” and pose broader dangers to Nigeria’s economic system, security, and nationwide safety.
AON added that the influence of the worth surge was already being felt throughout the sector, disclosing that one airline has grounded all operations since March 13, 2026, as a result of rising value of gasoline.
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It warned that extra carriers may observe if pressing motion just isn’t taken.
“Aviation stays a sector of strategic nationwide significance,” the letter learn, cautioning that the present pricing regime is “unhealthy and detrimental to nationwide wellbeing.”
The airline operators outlined the troublesome decisions going through the trade, noting that elevating ticket costs to replicate gasoline prices may result in low passenger turnout, whereas suspending operations totally would have far-reaching penalties.
They warned {that a} shutdown would influence {financial} establishments, disrupt tens of millions of livelihoods, and probably worsen insecurity throughout the nation.
It known as on MEMAN to intervene and be sure that jet gasoline costs are adjusted consistent with worldwide market realities, insisting that airways can now not maintain purchases at present charges.
“Accordingly, we hereby give discover that if this development persists, all airways in Nigeria shall be compelled to droop operations efficient Monday, April 20, 2026. This serves as our ultimate attraction.” High authorities officers, together with President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Division of State Providers, had been copied within the letter.
The event raises recent considerations concerning the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as stakeholders await the responses of gasoline entrepreneurs and authorities authorities within the coming days.
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