The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airlines to shelve plans to increase airfares or suspend flight operations following a sharp rise in the cost of aviation fuel, popularly known as Jet A1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), made this appeal in a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Thursday, April 16, 2026, warning that such actions could worsen economic pressures and disrupt national mobility.
The appeal comes amid mounting concerns by airline operators over a sudden increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has surged from N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre, representing a 300 per cent hike.
In the letter, Keyamo acknowledged the operational challenges facing airlines, commending their “resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment” in sustaining air transport services despite the rising costs.
He, however, urged the operators to exercise restraint in passing the burden to passengers through fare increases, noting that such a move would impose hardship on Nigerians and reduce access to air travel.
“Any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport,” the minister stated.
Keyamo also cautioned against any planned suspension of flight operations, describing it as a move that could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, disrupt logistics networks, and erode public confidence in the aviation sector.
He reassured the operators that the concerns raised had received the Federal Government’s attention, promising swift intervention to address the situation.
According to him, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together key industry players and regulators to find a lasting solution.
The minister emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the aviation sector a critical national asset, essential for economic integration, job creation, and national security.
The proposed meeting is expected to chart a path toward stabilising fuel prices and ensuring the continued operation of domestic airlines without placing undue burden on passengers.
