Nigeria urges airlines to hold off flight suspensions over jet fuel price spike

Nigeria has urged domestic airlines to refrain from suspending flights or increasing fares despite a sharp spike in jet fuel prices, as authorities move to prevent a wider disruption to the country’s economy.

In a letter dated April 16 to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the aviation minister acknowledged the severe pressure carriers are facing from rising fuel costs but appealed for restraint, warning that flight cancellations could have significant economic consequences.

The appeal follows threats by Nigerian airlines to halt operations from April 20, citing what they described as unsustainable and sharply increased jet fuel prices. Industry figures indicate that the cost of Jet A1 fuel has surged dramatically in recent weeks, making it difficult for airlines to cover operating expenses.

Fuel typically accounts for a substantial portion of airline costs in Nigeria, often exceeding global averages, leaving carriers particularly exposed to price volatility. Operators have argued that current prices make continued operations financially unviable, warning that revenues are no longer sufficient to cover fuel alone.

In response, the government said it is engaging stakeholders across the aviation and energy sectors to find a resolution. An emergency meeting has been scheduled in Abuja for April 22, bringing together regulators, airlines and other industry players to address the crisis and explore sustainable solutions.

The situation in Nigeria reflects broader global pressures on the aviation industry, where rising fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions have forced airlines in multiple regions to cut flights, raise fares or reassess operations. However, analysts note that the stakes may be higher in Nigeria, where a shutdown of domestic flights could disrupt business activity, logistics and employment across sectors.

For now, authorities are pushing for a coordinated response that avoids immediate service disruptions, while working toward longer term measures to stabilise fuel supply and pricing in the aviation sector.