FG summons emergency meeting with airline operators over aviation fuel hike

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The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airlines to suspend plans to halt flight operations following the sharp rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also urged the carriers to reconsider any planned increase in airfares.

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This is as he further disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting had been convened to find a lasting solution.

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Keyamo made the appeal in a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Thursday.

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The move comes amid growing concerns over threats by airlines to suspend operations next week due to the rising cost of aviation fuel.

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In the letter, the minister stated, “I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026 to N3,300 per litre as at today, representing a 300% increase.”

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He commended the resilience of airline operators despite the challenging operating environment.

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The letter read, “At the outset, I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.”

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Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the aviation sector, the minister emphasised the strategic importance of the industry.

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He said, “Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.

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“You will also acknowledge that the government of President Bola Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.”

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Keyamo urged the airlines to exercise restraint in adjusting ticket prices despite mounting operational costs.

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He stated, “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.”

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The minister also appealed to operators to reconsider any plans to suspend flights, warning of wider economic consequences.

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He added, “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.”

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He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government was already taking steps to address the situation.

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According to him, “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.”

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The minister further disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting had been convened to find a lasting solution.

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He said, “Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course.”

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The Airline Operators of Nigeria had, in the April 14 letter, described the fuel price surge as “astronomical and artificial,” warning that revenues could no longer cover even the cost of fuel alone and that the situation posed an existential threat to the industry.

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They further cautioned that a shutdown would trigger job losses, disrupt financial institutions, and heighten insecurity, while warning that passing the costs to passengers through higher fares could significantly suppress demand for air travel.

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