What happened
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), representing roughly a dozen Nigerian carriers, has issued a warning that all domestic flight operations could be suspended starting April 20, 2026, if jet fuel prices do not decrease. The group claims jet fuel prices have surged by approximately 270% since late February 2026, rising from ₦900 ($0.67) to ₦3,300 ($2.46) per liter. With Nigeria's aviation sector consuming 2.1 million liters daily, this equates to roughly $10 per gallon. 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, stating quoted prices are 40% above market averages and citing specialized distribution costs. While airlines have raised fares, demand has dropped. The threat is viewed as a pressure tactic to regulators rather than a guaranteed shutdown, but it represents a significant potential disruption to Nigerian domestic travel