Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to domestic airlines to exercise restraint on airfare increases and reconsider any planned suspension of operations despite a sharp 300% rise in the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Keyamo acknowledged the severe operational challenges facing carriers after Jet A1 prices jumped from ₦900 per litre on February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300 per litre currently.
The appeal follows a threat by AON, in a letter dated April 14, to suspend all domestic flights from Monday, April 20, 2026, describing the fuel price hike as “astronomical, artificial, and unsustainable.”
While recognising the difficulties, Keyamo commended the airlines for their resilience.“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,” he wrote.
He emphasised the strategic importance of the aviation sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.“The sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration,” Keyamo stated.
The minister made two direct appeals to the operators:To exercise restraint on any proposed increase in airfares, warning that such a move would impose significant hardship on the travelling public and potentially depress demand.
To reconsider any planned suspension of flight operations, which could disrupt mobility, erode public confidence, and undermine ongoing reforms in the sector.
Keyamo assured AON that the Federal Government is giving full attention to the matter and has scheduled a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja to find a prompt and sustainable resolution.
The crisis has put immense pressure on Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry, where fuel constitutes a major part of operating costs. Airlines have warned that without intervention, more carriers could be forced to ground operations, as at least one has already done since mid-March.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com