LAGOS, Nigeria – An escalating aviation fuel crisis threatens domestic travel across the West African nation. The Airline Operators of Nigeria [AON] recently announced a potential nationwide strike. Consequently, passenger flights may completely halt by 12:00 a.m. West Africa Time (WAT, GMT+1) on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Furthermore, Okay News reports that aviation companies face severe financial strain. The AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, issued a formal warning to fuel suppliers. Specifically, he addressed Clement Isong, the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria [MEMAN].
Sarina dispatched the official letter on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He detailed how the aviation fuel crisis caused costs in Nigerian naira to soar. Prices jumped from ₦900 (about $0.60) to ₦3,300 (about $2.20) per litre.
The document highlighted exact figures regarding the sudden market inflation. The letter stated, “Our letter dated March 30, 2026, on the above subject matter refers. Permit us to further bring to your notice that the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from the initial N900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300/litre as of today.”
Therefore, this 300% price spike worsens the ongoing aviation fuel crisis. The operators maintain that international crude oil benchmarks only show a 30% increase.
The letter read, “This represents an increase of over 300%. This astronomical and artificial increase is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30% increase in crude oil cost.”
Meanwhile, domestic airlines struggle to sustain their daily flight schedules. They initially absorbed the excess costs to serve the country.
“For the past four weeks, airlines have endured this burden and continued operations out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation. However, the situation has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable,” the letter stated.
Airlines Face Grounding Amid Aviation Fuel Crisis
Consequently, ticket sales fail to cover essential running costs. Fuel purchases represent merely a fraction of total industry expenses.
“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily. The situation continues to deteriorate,” it said.
Furthermore, the AON explicitly blames petroleum marketers for the deterioration. They believe these rapid cost increases endanger national security and safety.
The operators stated, “The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations.”
As a result, one domestic carrier recently halted all flights. Financial pressures forced this unnamed company out of business last month.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already severely impacted one airline, forcing it to ground all operations since March 13, 2026. This may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.”
Additionally, officials highlight the critical role of air travel today. A prolonged aviation fuel crisis threatens broader economic stability.
The operators noted, “Aviation remains a sector of strategic national importance. The continued arbitrary rise in jet fuel prices is both unhealthy and detrimental to national well-being. Airlines are now facing existential threats, with serious consequences for the broader economy.”
Conversely, passing costs to passengers will drastically reduce ticket demand. A complete industry shutdown would deeply damage financial institutions.
“If ticket prices are adjusted to reflect the current cost of aviation fuel, flights will operate with low passenger loads. Conversely, if airlines cease operations, financial institutions will be impacted, millions of livelihoods will be lost, and insecurity may increase,” the operators said.
Government Pleas During the Aviation Fuel Crisis
Subsequently, the union urged marketers to implement immediate price reductions. They requested alignment with realistic international market values.
“We therefore urge you to prevail on marketers to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current exorbitant rates.”
Hence, AON delivered a strict ultimatum regarding the aviation fuel crisis. They warned that immediate action remains strictly necessary.
“Accordingly, we hereby give notice that if this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026. This serves as our final appeal,” it said.
Moreover, operators forwarded this urgent notice to top government leaders. Recipients included the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also received the document.
Finally, leaders notified the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA] regarding the threats. They also briefed the Department of State Services [DSS], Nigeria’s internal security agency.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products worsens this aviation fuel crisis. Local refining limitations force marketers to depend entirely on foreign supply chains.
