Jet Fuel Crisis: Shelve Planned Shutdown – FG Begs Airlines

The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airline operators to suspend the plan to shut down operations and exercise restraint in increasing airfares, following the sharp rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.

In a letter dated April 16, 2026, and addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, urged operators to reconsider actions that could further strain the aviation sector and the wider economy.

The minister’s appeal came amid concerns over the soaring cost of aviation fuel, which has reportedly jumped from N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to about N3,300 per litre, representing a 300 per cent increase.

The marketers have, however, dismissed the N3,300 claim even as they blamed the hike in price of fuel to the global supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

In his intervention, Keyamo acknowledged the difficult operating environment faced by airlines and commended their resilience in keeping services running despite mounting cost pressures.

He disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for Monday next week to deliberate on the raging concerns.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the aviation sector, Keyamo noted that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers the industry a critical component of national development.

“Let me reiterate that the administration… accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance,” he said, adding that the sector remains “a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.”

The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening local operators, stating that the government has “initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.”

Against this backdrop, Keyamo made a direct appeal to airline operators to hold off on fare increases, warning of the potential impact on Nigerians.

“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, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.”

He further appealed to airlines to reconsider any plans to suspend flight operations, noting the broader economic consequences such a move could trigger.

He said, “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.”

Keyamo assured operators that their concerns have not been ignored and that the Federal Government is already taking steps to address the situation.

“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 find a lasting solution, the minister announced that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled.

“Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to hold 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 added.

The meeting is expected to bring together airline operators, regulators, and other key players in the aviation value chain to address the fuel crisis and its impact on the industry.(daily trust)