Nigeria's aviation sector is currently grappling with an severe crisis, primarily driven by the escalating and volatile cost of aviation fuel, Jet A1. Airline operators have issued warnings of potential flight suspensions or significant increases in airfares, citing unsustainable operating conditions. The price of Jet A1 has surged dramatically, rising from approximately ₦900 per litre in February 2026 to ₦3,300 per litre, representing a staggering 300 percent increase.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), through its spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo, has clearly stated that their demand is not for government subsidies or grants, but rather for authorities to ensure aviation fuel is sold at fair, stable, and reasonable market rates. Okonkwo emphasized that aviation is a critical enabler of economic activity, transcending its perception as merely a service for the elite. He warned that any disruption in aviation operations would have severe economic consequences, including widespread job losses, financial strain on banks due to unserviced loans, and broader instability across various sectors. Okonkwo also highlighted the contrast between the minimal support received by local operators during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current crisis, which he described as a more serious threat to the industry's survival. He pointed out the emergence of a