Domestic airline operators in Nigeria have announced plans to suspend flight operations from April 20, 2026, over the escalating cost of aviation fuel and what they describe as exploitative pricing by suppliers.

The move was revealed in a communication dated April 14, 2026, reportedly issued by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Abdulmunaf Sarina, according to industry insiders.

Airline operators say the persistent increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel has placed immense financial strain on their operations, making it difficult to sustain regular flight schedules. They warn that the situation has reached a critical level.

The airlines also accused fuel marketers of taking advantage of the current market conditions by implementing inconsistent and inflated pricing, thereby worsening the challenges facing the sector.

If the planned suspension goes ahead, it is expected to disrupt air travel across the country, affecting passenger movement, cargo distribution, and other economic activities reliant on aviation services.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about the volatility of jet fuel prices, which account for a large portion of airlines’ operating costs. They stress that without urgent government intervention—such as price regulation or financial support—many local carriers may struggle to survive.

The crisis also highlights deeper issues within Nigeria’s aviation sector, including foreign exchange constraints, rising maintenance expenses, and inadequate infrastructure.

Experts warn that a halt in airline operations could have far-reaching economic consequences, particularly for tourism, trade, and business travel.

As of the time of filing this report, aviation regulators and fuel suppliers have not released any official statement regarding the proposed action.