The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) not to increase ticket prices despite the sharp rise in the cost of jet fuel, warning that such a move would impose significant hardship on travellers.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, and addressed to the AON President, Keyamo appealed for restraint, noting that the price of Jet A1 fuel had surged from N900 per litre as of February 28 to about N3,300 per litre, representing a 300 per cent increase.
He acknowledged the operational challenges facing airlines but cautioned that an immediate hike in airfares could reduce demand and limit access to air travel for many Nigerians. He also urged operators to reconsider any plans to suspend flight operations, stating that such actions would negatively impact the economy, disrupt logistics networks, and erode public confidence in the aviation sector.
Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the aviation industry, describing it as a critical national asset essential for trade, security, job creation, and economic integration. He added that ongoing reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were aimed at strengthening the sector and ensuring the sustainability of local operators.
The minister also announced that a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22 in Abuja. The meeting will bring together key industry players and regulatory authorities to find a practical and lasting solution to the crisis.
The development comes amid a disagreement between the Airline Operators of Nigeria and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria over the rising cost of jet fuel, which has been attributed to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
