Nigerian Airlines Warn of Possible Shutdown Over Fuel Price Surge

Nigerian airline operators have issued a warning that flight operations across the country could be suspended from April 20 if the rising cost of aviation fuel is not addressed.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) made this known in a letter dated April 14 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Isong.

In the communication, the AON said current earnings are no longer sufficient to sustain operations, stating that revenue generated by airlines cannot cover fuel expenses alone.

The association attributed the situation to a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices, which it said have risen by more than 300 percent—from about N900 per litre to roughly N3,300 per litre—since the outbreak of the Iran–Israel War.

Airlines warned that the continued surge in costs threatens the viability of the sector, with operators indicating that services may be halted if urgent measures are not taken to ease the pressure.

The global spike in crude oil and petroleum product prices linked to the conflict has significantly impacted aviation fuel costs, placing additional strain on Nigeria’s already fragile airline industry.