The federal government has appealed to domestic airlines under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to refrain from increasing air ticket prices or embarking on the planned suspension of operations.
Recall that yesterday, the airlines said they would halt operations from April 20 following a sharp rise in the cost of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, by 300 per cent.
In a letter dated Thursday, April 16, 2026, addressed to the President of AON, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, urged the operators to exercise restraint despite mounting operational pressures.
The appeal came amid threats by airline operators, in an earlier correspondence to the federal government, to halt flight operations from next Monday over what they described as an unsustainable increase in aviation fuel prices.
Mr Keyamo, who acknowledged the severity of the situation, especially with the price of Jet A1 surging dramatically within a short period, however, called for calm.
“I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre as at today, representing a three hundred per cent (300%) increase,” he said.
The minister commended airline operators for maintaining services despite the challenges, describing their efforts as critical to the nation’s economy.
He reiterated the strategic importance of the aviation sector to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stressing its role in national development, and made a direct appeal to operators to avoid passing the burden to passengers.
“First, I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public,” he said.
He also warned against suspending operations, noting the broader implications for the economy and public confidence.
“Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector,” he added.
Mr Keyamo assured operators that the federal government was actively working to address the crisis.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” he said.
As part of efforts to resolve the impasse, the minister disclosed that an emergency meeting had been convened.
“Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution,” he said.
The development came as Nigeria’s aviation sector grapples with rising operational costs, with fuel accounting for a significant portion of airline expenses. Industry stakeholders warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could lead to widespread disruptions in domestic air travel.
