The Federal Government has appealed to airline operators to suspend plans to halt flight operations over the soaring cost of aviation fuel, warning that such a move could severely impact Nigeria’s economy.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal in a statement dated April 16, 2026, addressing concerns raised by the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
This comes after the group threatened to shut down flight operations from April 20, citing the sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has reportedly surged from about ₦900 per litre in late February to over ₦3,300 per litre — a dramatic rise that has placed significant pressure on airline operations.
In his statement, Keyamo acknowledged the financial strain on airlines but urged them to reconsider both the planned shutdown and any immediate hike in ticket prices.
“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 ongoing reforms,” he warned.
The minister emphasised that the aviation sector remains critical for national integration, trade, and transportation, making it essential to maintain stability despite current challenges.
He also revealed that the government is actively engaging stakeholders, with a high-level emergency meeting scheduled for April 22 to address the crisis and explore sustainable solutions.
As tensions build within the aviation industry, many Nigerians are watching closely, as any disruption in flight operations could significantly affect travel, business activities, and overall economic movement across the country.
