The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airline operators to refrain from increasing airfares or suspending flight operations despite the sharp rise in aviation fuel costs.

In a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, acknowledged the surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel from ₦900 per litre in late February to about ₦3,300 per litre as of April 16, 2026—an increase of over 300 percent.

The government noted that while the spike has placed significant pressure on airline operations, any immediate increase in ticket prices would worsen the burden on passengers, reduce demand, and limit access to air travel for many Nigerians.

Keyamo also cautioned against any planned suspension of services, warning that such action could disrupt the economy, affect mobility and logistics, and undermine ongoing reforms in the aviation sector.

To address the situation, the minister announced that a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja. The meeting is expected to bring together key industry players and regulators to find a sustainable solution.

He commended airline operators for maintaining services under difficult conditions and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the sector.

According to the minister, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers aviation a critical national asset, vital to trade, security, job creation, and economic integration, and has pledged to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised by operators.