By Seun Ibiyemi
The Airline Operators of Nigeria has warned that domestic flight operations across the country may be suspended from April 20 due to the persistent rise in the cost of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1.
In a notice issued on Wednesday in Lagos, and signed by its President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the association said the price of Jet A1 had surged to N3,300 per litre from about N900 per litre in February, representing a 300 per cent increase.
Sarina attributed the sharp rise to fuel marketers, noting that the increase had significantly driven up airlines’ operational costs and was inconsistent with global crude oil price trends, which he said had risen by about 30 per cent.
He explained that airlines had continued operations over the past four weeks despite mounting losses, out of a sense of national responsibility, but warned that the situation had become unsustainable.
“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily,” he said.
He added that the actions of fuel marketers were putting the aviation industry, as well as the nation’s economy, safety, and security, at risk, as operators were being forced to consider suspending services.
Sarina disclosed that the development had already forced one airline to halt operations since March 13.
He cautioned that without urgent intervention, the crisis could deepen, with potential consequences including job losses, financial strain on institutions, and threats to national security.
According to him, while increasing ticket fares might help offset rising costs, it could also reduce passenger traffic and further weaken the industry.
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The AON urged marketers to align jet fuel prices with international market realities, stressing that airlines could no longer sustain operations under current pricing conditions.
The notice was addressed to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, with copies sent to Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, among others.
