Keyamo writes AON over threat by airlines to suspend flights over 300% increase in JET A1 fuel

Festus Keyamo, Minster of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has written the Airline Operators of Nigeria in a bid to work out a solution to the threat by Airlines to suspend flights by next week over the 300 percent increase in JET A1 fuel.

In the Letter on X, written by the Minister and dated Thursday 16 April, 2026, titled ‘Three hundred percent increase in JET A1 fuel: Appeal for restraint on airfare adjustment and suspension of operations’, Keyamo pleaded with AON to reconsider any plan to suspend flights operations as JET A1 fuel surged by 300%, from “N900” per litre to “N3.300” per litre.

The Minister assured the Federal Government will take “immediate steps” to take care of the situation.

An emergency stakeholders’ meeting will take place on Wednesday 22 April, 2026 in Abuja, as disclosed by the Minister.

The Letter reads: “I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per liter as at February 28, 2026 to N3.300 per liter as at today, representing a three hundred percent (300 %) increase.

“Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.

“In light of the foregoing, I am making the following appeals:

“1. First, I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public.

“2. Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy.

“3. 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.

“Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Abuja.”