The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) stated that the cost of Jet A1 has increased by more than 300%, rising from N900 per litre in late February to N3,300 per litre.
The group described the spike as “astronomical and artificial,” stressing that it far exceeds the roughly 30% increase in global crude oil benchmarks.
AON President Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina issued the warning in a notice to fuel marketers and copied top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. 
AON warned that airline revenues can no longer cover fuel costs, placing operators under severe financial pressure. “Airlines now face existential threats, with serious consequences for the global economy,” the group stated.
The notice explained that airlines have endured this burden for four weeks, but the situation has now become unbearable and unsustainable.
READ ALSO: West Africa Set for Cheaper Flights as ECOWAS Moves to Scrap Air Ticket Taxes by 2026
The group made a final appeal for urgent intervention and warned that all airlines in Nigeria will suspend operations starting Monday, April 20, 2026, if authorities fail to act.
An inside source revealed that a major disruption occurred earlier in April, when fuel shortages delayed a flight from Abuja to Lagos scheduled for 6 p.m. until 12 a.m. The delay affected many passengers, including elderly travellers and parents with children. Airlines also rescheduled flights scheduled for 4 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Reports indicate that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, has disrupted fuel transportation and triggered supply shocks and price volatility worldwide.
Nigeria relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products, and this disruption has intensified domestic price pressures, especially in the aviation sector.
Airlines may increase ticket prices to offset rising costs, but AON warns that higher fares will reduce passenger demand. A complete shutdown would trigger far-reaching consequences, including job losses and threats to national connectivity and security.
SEE ALSO: Each Nigerian Owes ₦724,000 as Govt Debt Reaches ₦159.28 Trillion – Report
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