Lagos: Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that domestic flights may be suspended from April 20 over the persistent rise in the price of Jet A1, also known as aviation fuel. The body said this in a notice signed by its President, Dr Abdulmunaf Sarina, on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sarina noted that the price of Jet A1 had increased to N3,300 per litre from about N900 per litre in February, representing a 300 per cent rise. He emphasized that the increase, driven by marketers, has significantly raised airlines’ operational costs, while not aligning with global crude oil price trends, which reflect about a 30 per cent increase.
Sarina mentioned that airlines had, over the past four weeks, continued operations despite the rising costs out of a sense of responsibility to the nation. However, he stated that the situation had become unsustainable, as airline revenues are now insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is just one of many operational expenses incurred daily.
He warned that the actions of fuel marketers are jeopardizing the aviation industry and the nation’s economy, safety, and security, as airlines are being forced to consider suspending operations. He highlighted that one airline has already suspended operations since March 13 due to the fuel price hikes.
Sarina urged that if urgent action is not taken, the situation could worsen. He explained that adjusting ticket prices to reflect current fuel costs could lead to reduced passenger traffic, while a shutdown of operations would affect jobs, financial institutions, and national security.
The notice was addressed to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, with copies sent to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, among others.