By Ghazali Ibrahim
Domestic airlines in Nigeria have warned they may suspend operations nationwide from April 20 over the continued surge in aviation fuel prices, raising fears of a major disruption to air travel and economic activities.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said the cost of Jet A1 fuel has risen by about 270 percent in recent weeks, describing the increase as unsustainable for operators already grappling with high operational costs.
In a statement, the group accused fuel marketers of inflating prices, noting that the development has pushed airlines to the brink of collapse. According to the operators, revenue generated from ticket sales can no longer cover the cost of fuel, which accounts for a significant portion of airline expenses.
Industry data indicates that Nigerian airlines consume approximately 2.1 million litres of jet fuel daily, yet supply challenges persist. The operators also raised concerns about the lack of supply from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has yet to significantly impact the domestic aviation fuel market.
The AON warned that a shutdown would lead to widespread consequences, including job losses, disruption of business activities, and setbacks for sectors that rely heavily on air transportation.
Stakeholders have called on the federal government to urgently intervene by regulating fuel pricing and ensuring adequate supply to prevent a total collapse of the aviation sector.
