Keyamo Appeals to Airlines for Restraint over Planned Price Hike, Suspension of Operations, Promises FG Will Address High Cost of Aviation Fuel

The Nigerian aviation sector faces a critical juncture as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, appeals for restraint from airline operators amidst soaring aviation fuel prices. Keyamo has implored the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to reconsider their planned fare increases and potential suspension of operations, acknowledging the significant cost pressures but emphasizing the potential hardship on the traveling public.

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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, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.

In a bid to find a swift and sustainable solution, the Minister has convened a high-level emergency stakeholders' meeting for April 22, 2026, in Abuja. This meeting aims to bring together all relevant parties, including regulatory authorities, to address the root causes of the exorbitant Jet A1 fuel prices. The AON had previously warned of a potential operational suspension by April 30, citing a staggering 300% increase in aviation fuel costs compared to a 30% rise in crude oil prices.

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I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.

Minister Keyamo assured the operators that their concerns have been heard by the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which recognizes the aviation sector's strategic importance to national security, trade facilitation, and economic integration. He reiterated the administration's commitment to ongoing reforms and pledged immediate steps to resolve the crisis, underscoring the government's dedication to supporting the sector's growth and stability.

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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