Nigeria’s Federal Government has called on domestic airlines to exercise restraint in raising airfares and to reconsider any plans to suspend operations, following a sharp 300% increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development appealed to airline operators to remain sensitive to the impact of rising costs on the travelling public. The letter, addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, highlighted the steep rise in aviation fuel prices—from N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre currently—as a major concern for the industry.
While acknowledging the operational pressures facing airlines, the government urged carriers to avoid immediate upward adjustments in ticket prices, warning that such increases could impose significant hardship on passengers, reduce demand, and limit access to air travel for many Nigerians.
The Ministry also cautioned against any planned suspension of flight operations, noting that such actions could disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine progress made in the aviation sector.
The letter reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to supporting the aviation industry. It emphasized that the sector remains a key driver of national development, contributing to trade facilitation, tourism growth, and economic integration.
According to the Ministry, the concerns raised by airline operators have received the full attention of the Federal Government, with assurances that immediate steps will be taken to address the challenges facing the sector.
The appeal comes amid growing tension in Nigeria’s aviation industry, as operators grapple with rising costs and sustainability concerns, raising fears of potential disruptions if urgent interventions are not implemented.
