Operators warn of possible nationwide flight suspension as Jet A1 prices soar and emergency talks race against time…..
Nigeria’s aviation industry is facing a critical moment, with the federal government signaling an imminent increase in airfares as airlines struggle to stay afloat under mounting operational costs.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed after a lengthy closed-door meeting with industry stakeholders that domestic carriers may have no choice but to raise ticket prices in the coming days. According to him, airlines have reached their financial limits and cannot continue operating under current conditions without adjustments.
Keyamo noted that the next few days will be decisive, as discussions intensify around the pricing of Jet A1 fuel, an essential component of airline operations. Authorities are particularly focused on identifying and addressing any potential inefficiencies or unfair practices within the fuel supply chain that may be worsening the crisis.
The urgency of the situation was echoed by Allen Onyema, who spoke on behalf of domestic airline operators. While expressing cautious optimism, Onyema warned that failure to reach a resolution within 48 hours could lead to a complete halt of flight operations across the country for up to a week.
He explained that airlines are not unwilling to operate, but are instead constrained by the unsustainable cost of fuel and broader operational expenses. Both airline operators and fuel marketers, he added, have presented their challenges and are now awaiting regulatory engagement that could determine the next steps.
At the heart of the crisis is the dramatic spike in Jet A1 fuel prices. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) recently raised alarm over a sharp increase from about ₦900 per litre in late February to approximately ₦3,300 per litre, placing unprecedented strain on carriers.
Fuel marketers, however, have pushed back against claims of exploitation. Under the umbrella of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), they argue that pricing is driven by global oil market fluctuations, foreign exchange volatility, and logistical constraints, rather than deliberate profiteering.
Despite the differing positions, there is consensus on one point: the current situation is unsustainable.
The federal government has stepped in to mediate, emphasizing the need for collaboration and compromise to prevent a breakdown in domestic air travel. The outcome of ongoing negotiations is expected to shape not only ticket prices in the short term but also the stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector in the months ahead.
For now, passengers and operators alike are left watching closely, as the clock ticks on what could become one of the most disruptive episodes in the country’s recent aviation history.
