Airlines May Halt Domestic Flights Over Rising Aviation Fuel Costs

Airlines May Halt Domestic Flights Over Rising Aviation Fuel Costs
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has raised concerns that domestic flight operations could be suspended from April 20 following a sharp increase in the price of Jet A1, commonly known as aviation fuel.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos, AON President Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from about N900 per litre in February to N3,300 per litre—an increase of more than 300 percent.
He attributed the spike to the activities of fuel marketers, noting that the rise does not reflect global crude oil trends, which have seen only a modest increase of around 30 percent.
Sarina explained that airlines have continued operations over the past month despite mounting losses, driven by a sense of national duty. However, he warned that the situation has become financially unsustainable.
According to him, airline revenues are no longer sufficient to cover fuel costs alone, let alone other operational expenses, placing operators under severe strain.
He cautioned that the development poses a serious threat to the aviation sector, as well as the broader economy, safety, and national security. He also disclosed that one airline has already suspended operations since March 13 due to the rising costs.
Sarina warned that without immediate intervention, more airlines may be forced to ground their fleets, potentially leading to a widespread disruption of domestic air travel.