Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Nigerian airlines plan shutdown over rising aviation fuel costs
Operators say Jet A1 prices now threaten survival of airlines
Shutdown may disrupt travel, trade, and economic activities nationwide

Nigerian airlines have concluded plans to suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over the rising cost of aviation fuel, a development that could disrupt air travel nationwide.

Sources told Arise News that the decision was contained in a letter dated April 14, 2026, signed by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Abdulmunaf Sarina.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that industry operators said the continued increase in Jet A1 fuel prices has made it difficult to sustain operations, warning that the situation has reached a critical level.

They accused fuel marketers of exploiting the situation through arbitrary pricing, further worsening the financial pressure on airlines already dealing with high operating costs.

The planned shutdown, if carried out, is expected to significantly affect passengers, cargo movement, and overall economic activities across the country.

Stakeholders in the aviation sector have repeatedly expressed concerns over the volatility of jet fuel prices, noting that it accounts for a major portion of airline operating expenses.

Operators warned that without urgent intervention by the government to stabilise fuel prices or provide support mechanisms, the survival of domestic airlines could be at risk.

Industry observers also cautioned that a suspension of operations would have ripple effects on sectors that depend on air transport, including tourism, trade, and business travel.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from regulatory authorities or fuel marketers regarding the planned action by the airlines.