Nigerian airlines have concluded plans to suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over the escalating cost of aviation fuel, citing what they described as exploitative practices by fuel marketers.

The decision was conveyed in a letter dated April 14, 2026, by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Abdulmunaf Sarina, according to sources familiar with the development.

Industry operators said the persistent increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel has made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations, warning that the situation has reached a critical point.

They accused fuel marketers of taking advantage of the situation through arbitrary pricing, further compounding the financial strain on airlines already grappling with high operational costs.

The planned shutdown, if implemented, could significantly disrupt air travel across the country, affecting passengers, cargo movement, and broader economic activities.

Aviation stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about the volatility of jet fuel prices, which account for a substantial portion of airlines’ operating expenses.

Operators argue that without urgent government intervention to stabilise prices or provide support mechanisms, the viability of domestic airlines could be severely threatened.

The development highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s aviation sector, including foreign exchange constraints, high maintenance costs, and infrastructure limitations.

Industry observers warn that a shutdown could have ripple effects across sectors reliant on air transport, including tourism, trade, and business travel.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from regulatory authorities or fuel marketers regarding the planned suspension of operations.