The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has sent a letter to the Airline Operators of Nigeria in a bid to find a solution to the threat by airlines to suspend flights next week over the 300 per cent increase in JET A1 fuel.

This followed a correspondence from the airline operators, dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre, as at February 28, 2026, to N3.300 per litre as at today, representing a 300 per cent increase.

In his letter of appeal, Keyamo urged airline operators to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time.

Acknowledging the prevailing cost pressures on their operations, the minister highlighted that 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.

The minister also appealed 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," he said.

Keyamo assured them that their concerns have received the full attention of the Federal Government, "and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues."

He said a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course.

The minister commended the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of the airline operators in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.

"Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration. You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators," he said.