Jet fuel hike may force airlines to suspend flights from April 20 — AON

The Airline Operators of Nigeria has cautioned that domestic flights could be suspended from April 20 following a steep increase in aviation fuel prices.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos, AON President Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina said the price of Jet A1 has surged from about N900 per litre in February to N3,300 per litre, marking a 300 per cent rise.

He said the increase, driven by fuel marketers, has significantly raised the cost of airline operations and does not align with global crude oil price movements, which have risen by about 30 per cent.

Sarina noted that airlines have continued to operate in recent weeks despite the financial strain, but warned that the situation has become untenable.

“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily,” he said.

He added that the development is already impacting the industry.

“The actions of fuel marketers are putting the aviation industry and the nation’s economy, safety and security at risk, as airlines are being forced to consider suspending operations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this increase has already affected one airline, forcing it to suspend operations since March 13,” he said.

According to him, failure to address the issue urgently could lead to reduced passenger traffic if fares are increased or a complete shutdown of operations, with consequences for jobs, financial institutions and national security.

“We urge marketers to adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current rates,” he said.

The notice was sent to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria and copied to key stakeholders including President Bola Tinubu, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

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