The Federal Government has urged airline operators to hold off on planned increases in airfares and any suspension of flight operations, citing the impact on the travelling public. In a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo highlighted a surge in Jet A1 fuel prices from ₦900 per liter on February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300 per liter by April 16, 2026—a 300 percent increase. The government warned that immediate fare hikes would create hardship for passengers, reduce demand, and restrict access to air travel for many Nigerians. Keyamo also appealed against halting flights, stating such moves would damage the national economy, disrupt logistics, and weaken public confidence in the aviation sector.
A high-level emergency meeting involving stakeholders and regulators is scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja to find a sustainable solution. The minister said the venue and time would be shared later. He acknowledged the challenges faced by operators but emphasized that the sector is a critical national asset under the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, vital for trade, security, and employment. Keyamo noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has launched significant reforms to support local aviation businesses and affirmed that the government is fully engaged with the industry's concerns.
Festus Keyamo is asking airlines to absorb a 300 percent fuel price hike while promising talks but no concrete relief. Ordinary Nigerians face either sky-high fares or shrinking flight options if operators cannot sustain operations. The appeal rests on goodwill, not guarantees, leaving both passengers and airlines in limbo. Without immediate intervention, the strain on air travel access will deepen.
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