Lagos, Nigeria: Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing mounting operational and financial strain as soaring jet fuel prices and worsening supply shortages trigger widespread flight disruptions, route cuts and growing safety concerns across the country’s domestic airline industry.
Industry officials and airline operators say the crisis has intensified in recent weeks despite government intervention efforts and increased local refining capacity from the Dangote Refinery, which began full-scale operations earlier this year. Airlines argue that while domestic production has improved supply volumes, the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel remains prohibitively high under Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market.
According to the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), persistent fuel scarcity has caused repeated flight delays, last-minute schedule changes and route cancellations as carriers struggle to secure sufficient supplies for daily operations. The association warned that prolonged disruptions are also forcing extended crew duty periods, raising concerns over fatigue and operational safety in an industry governed by strict rest regulations.
NAAPE President Captain Bunmi Gindeh said the shortages were stretching operational planning and placing additional pressure on pilots, engineers and airline personnel.
Domestic carriers have reported that jet fuel prices have risen dramatically since February, with some operators stating costs have more than quadrupled in recent months. Airlines say fuel expenses now account for between 30% and 40% of operating costs in Nigeria, significantly above the global average, making several domestic routes commercially unviable.
Local airline Rano Air stated that the sustained increase in fuel prices had forced operational adjustments and schedule revisions. Other carriers have reportedly begun cutting unprofitable routes and rescheduling flights to reduce exposure to escalating fuel costs.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), representing the country’s domestic airlines, had earlier threatened to suspend nationwide flight operations after accusing fuel marketers of imposing “astronomical and artificial” increases in Jet A1 prices. The group warned that the crisis was pushing airlines toward unsustainable losses and could have broader economic implications affecting employment, banking operations and national connectivity.
The dispute prompted emergency talks with the Nigerian government in April, leading airlines to temporarily suspend their planned shutdown following appeals from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
As part of emergency relief measures, Nigerian authorities introduced temporary price caps on aviation fuel and allowed airlines to purchase fuel on credit for a limited period. Regulators also proposed direct fuel supply arrangements between marketers and airlines, debt relief measures for operators and discussions with Dangote Refinery over pricing mechanisms.
Under the temporary framework, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) capped jet fuel prices between 1,760 and 1,988 naira per litre in Lagos and between 1,809 and 2,037 naira per litre in Abuja based on April benchmark pricing.
Despite those measures, airlines say market conditions remain volatile. Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to face broader structural challenges including foreign exchange shortages, high aircraft maintenance costs, limited access to spare parts and inadequate airport infrastructure.
The crisis has unfolded alongside wider global disruptions in the aviation fuel market linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East and instability surrounding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines worldwide have reported major increases in fuel-related costs.
