Nigeria’s aviation sector avoided a nationwide shutdown at the last minute after domestic airlines agreed to suspend a planned strike following an urgent intervention by the federal government.
The decision was announced late Friday after the Airline Operators of Nigeria reached what it described as a “concessionary but conditional” agreement to halt the action, which had been scheduled to begin on Monday, April 20, 2026. The move followed appeals from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who also secured a commitment for an emergency stakeholders’ meeting on April 22 in Abuja.
The crisis was triggered by a sharp rise in the cost of Jet A1 fuel, which airlines say jumped from about ₦900 per litre in February to as high as ₦3,300 by mid-April. Operators described the increase as unsustainable, warning that fuel now accounts for more than 70 percent of their operating expenses.
In a petition to authorities, the Airline Operators of Nigeria said current revenues can no longer cover fuel costs alone, raising concerns about the survival of domestic carriers.
However, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority disputed the higher price claims, stating that aviation fuel is currently retailing between ₦1,960 and ₦2,800 per litre. The regulator also noted that ex-depot prices from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stand at around ₦1,879, suggesting a disconnect between reported and actual market rates.
Reacting to the situation, Festus Keyamo urged both airlines and the public to remain calm, emphasizing that the government is committed to finding a sustainable solution.
He described the suspension of the strike as a “patriotic decision” by operators and assured stakeholders that discussions are already underway to address pricing concerns and stabilize the aviation fuel market. The minister also stressed that the upcoming meeting would bring together all relevant parties to resolve discrepancies in fuel pricing and ensure the continued operation of domestic flights.
The uncertainty has already driven up airfares, with one-way domestic tickets rising to between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000. Businesses have warned that a shutdown would have disrupted logistics, delayed critical cargo, and impacted sectors reliant on air transport.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, passengers expressed mixed reactions, relief that flights would continue, but concern over soaring ticket prices that have made air travel increasingly unaffordable.
Despite the temporary reprieve, the situation remains fragile. Airlines have indicated that the suspension of the shutdown depends on the outcome of the upcoming meeting with government officials.
Authorities are expected to explore measures to stabilize fuel prices and address discrepancies in the supply chain. For now, flight operations continue, but industry stakeholders warn that without a sustainable solution, the sector could face renewed disruption in the near future.
