Airlines warn of Nigeria shutdown from April 20 as JetA1 hits N3,000/liter

Domestic and foreign airlines in Nigeria may begin shutting down services from April 20, 2026, after aviation fuel (JetA1) rose to about N3,000 per liter. Tunji Oyebanji, CEO of Energy Advisory and former Mobil Nigeria chairman, said at least one airline may have already suspended operations as operators call the price unsustainable. He blamed both local supply dynamics and tightening global markets due to the ongoing Iran‑US‑Israel conflict, which has cut Middle Eastern refinery output.

This matters because flight cancellations or suspensions would disrupt travel for business, leisure, and emergencies, likely push ticket prices higher, and leave passengers stranded or forced to seek costly alternatives. The aviation sector supports tourism, trade, and employment nationwide, so a crisis could ripple through the economy.

Passengers should monitor airline announcements for schedule changes, consider flexible or refundable tickets, and explore alternative transport where feasible. The price spike stems from reduced global JetA1 supply, with much of the Dangote Refinery’s output being exported, and local airlines buying fuel on the spot market without hedging, making them vulnerable to volatility.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/17/jeta1-at-n3000-liter-airlines-may-shut-down-services-in-nigeria/