Domestic airline operators in the Federal Republic of Nigeria have temporarily suspended their planned shutdown following an intervention by the country’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The operators had, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, threatened to suspend operations from Monday, April 20, over the rising cost of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1. They claimed the price of Jet A1 had increased from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre—representing a rise of over 300 percent.
However, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) refuted this claim, stating that its nationwide survey shows retail prices currently range between ₦1,960 and ₦2,800 per litre.
Three days after the airlines issued the threat, Keyamo appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to reconsider the planned suspension. Following his intervention, the airlines held an emergency meeting on Friday, where they resolved to temporarily suspend the shutdown.
In a communiqué signed by the AON Executive Council and Board of Trustees, the airline operators said the decision was reached after receiving a letter of appeal from the minister calling for a stay of action.
“Rising from an emergency meeting held this evening, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have reached a concessionary but conditional decision to temporarily suspend the earlier planned shutdown scheduled to take effect on Monday, April 20, 2026,” the statement read.
“The decision was reached following robust deliberations by members of the Executive Council (Exco) and Trustees, in consideration of an intervention received through a letter of appeal from the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, calling for a stay of action.”
The association stated that Keyamo acknowledged their challenges and appealed for restraint in light of the aviation fuel crisis, adding that the minister appreciated their commitment to sustaining air transport services under difficult conditions.
“He added that the concerns raised by airlines have received the full attention of the Federal Government and that immediate steps will be taken to address the issues,” the group said.
According to AON, the association will meet with the minister on April 22 to seek a solution to the situation. The outcome of the meeting will determine further actions.
“In consideration of the appeals and efforts by the Honourable Minister to wade into the matter and address the issues surrounding the astronomical and arbitrary increase in the price of Jet A1, the Exco wishes to state unequivocally that the planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off—albeit temporarily—pending the outcome of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026. This is to allow for dialogue with a view to finding a lasting and mutually beneficial solution for all parties concerned,” the group added.
As a condition for the suspension, the airlines called on the minister to urge relevant government agencies and industry service providers to continue supporting airline operations, desist from undue harassment, and stop demanding upfront payment for services rendered.
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