Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has called on domestic airline operators to suspend plans to halt flight operations and refrain from increasing airfares despite the sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
In the letter, the minister acknowledged the mounting operational challenges facing airlines following the surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which rose from about ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to approximately ₦3,300 per litre an increase of over 300 per cent.
Keyamo commended domestic carriers for maintaining services under difficult conditions, describing their efforts as resilient and professional.
“I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions,” he said.
However, he urged operators to exercise caution in responding to the crisis, particularly regarding potential fare increases.
“I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time,” the minister stated, warning that higher ticket prices could further strain Nigerians and limit access to air travel.
He also appealed to the airlines to reconsider any planned suspension of operations, noting that such action would have far-reaching consequences for the economy.
“Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine ongoing reforms,” Keyamo warned.
The minister reassured operators that their concerns had received the attention of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that steps were being taken to address the situation.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” he said.
As part of efforts to resolve the crisis, Keyamo disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja. The meeting is expected to bring together key industry players and regulators to develop a prompt and sustainable solution to the fuel price surge.
The appeal follows warnings by airline operators that they may suspend operations nationwide from April 20 if the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel persists, raising concerns over potential disruption to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
