Nigerian Airlines Threaten to Suspend All Domestic Flights Starting April 20, 2026

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), representing roughly a dozen Nigerian airlines, has issued a warning that the country could face zero domestic flights starting April 20, 2026. The threat is driven by a reported 270% increase in jet fuel prices since late February 2026, with costs rising from approximately ₦900 ($0.67) to ₦3,300 ($2.46) per liter. AON argues that the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) is artificially inflating costs, making it unsustainable for airlines to cover fuel expenses alone. MEMAN disputes this, claiming the quoted prices are 40% above market averages. While airlines have raised fares, demand has dropped. The industry body is using this potential grounding as leverage to pressure regulators for fuel cost relief, though it remains unclear if the suspension will be a short-term bluff or a prolonged shutdown