The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said all domestic airlines could suspend operations from April 20 if urgent action is not taken to address the spike in aviation fuel costs.
In a notice dated April 14, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, AON president, raised the alarm in a letter to Clement Isong, executive secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
Top government officials, including Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and Festus Keyamo, were copied in the correspondence alongside regulators and security agencies.
Fuel price surge sparks crisis
According to AON, the price of Jet A1 fuel has surged from N900 per litre in February to N3,300 per litre — a rise of more than 300 percent within weeks.
The association described the increase as “astronomical and artificial,” noting that it does not reflect global crude oil trends, which have seen only moderate increases.
Airlines say they have absorbed the rising costs for weeks, continuing operations out of national duty, but warn that the situation has now become unsustainable.
Airlines face collapse risk
The group said current revenues can no longer cover fuel expenses, let alone other operational costs.
It warned that the actions of fuel marketers are crippling the aviation sector, with one airline already forced to suspend operations since March 13.
AON cautioned that a wider shutdown could trigger severe economic consequences, including job losses, financial strain on banks, and disruptions to national security.
Passengers and economy at risk
Operators added that increasing ticket prices to match fuel costs could reduce passenger demand, while a complete shutdown would have far-reaching implications for travel and business activities.
“Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy,” the group said.
Final warning issued
AON urged fuel marketers to align prices with international benchmarks, stressing that airlines can no longer sustain purchases at current rates.
The association said its notice serves as a final appeal, warning that if conditions do not improve, a nationwide shutdown of airline operations will take effect on April 20.
