Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo Urges Airlines to Halt Airfare Hikes and Flight Suspensions
In a critical move to address escalating operational challenges, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has publicly appealed to airlines to avoid implementing airfare hikes and suspending flight operations. This appeal comes in response to a dramatic 300% increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel, which has surged from N900 to N3,300 per liter since late February 2026.
Keyamo's Public Letter and Commendation
On Friday, Minister Keyamo shared his letter addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), highlighting the severe impact of the fuel price spike. In the letter, he commended the resilience and professionalism of airlines in sustaining air transport services under these difficult conditions. "In a bid to find a solution to the threat by the airlines to suspend flights next week over the 300 percent increase in JET A1 fuel, late yesterday, I sent the Airline Operators of Nigeria the following letter," Keyamo stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Operational Challenges and Government Reforms
The minister referenced the operational challenges detailed in the AON's correspondence dated April 14, 2026, noting the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel prices. He reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places high strategic importance on the aviation sector, which is deemed a critical national asset essential for trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and economic integration. Keyamo highlighted ongoing unprecedented reforms aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of local operators.
Specific Appeals to Airlines
In light of these circumstances, Minister Keyamo made two key appeals to the airlines:
- First, he urged airlines to exercise restraint regarding any proposed increase in airfares. While acknowledging the cost pressures, he warned that immediate upward adjustments could impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for many Nigerians.
- Secondly, he appealed for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such actions could have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine progress in aviation reforms.
Government Assurance and Emergency Meeting
Keyamo formally assured the AON that the concerns raised by its members have received the full attention of the Federal Government, with immediate steps being taken to address the issues. To facilitate a resolution, a high-level emergency stakeholders' meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, in Abuja. This meeting will bring together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities to achieve a prompt, practical, and sustainable solution, with venue and time details to be communicated later.
