By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
More Nigerian airlines are scaling back flight operations following a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices, with Ibom Air becoming the latest carrier to announce a reduction in capacity. In a statement issued on Monday, Ibom Air said it may cut the number of flights operated daily in order to remain sustainable as the cost of Jet A1 fuel continues to rise. According to the airline’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, the cost of fuelling a single flight has surged dramatically within a short period.
He disclosed that fuel expenses rose from an average of ₦2.1 million per flight in January to about ₦7.6 million as of April 26 representing more than a 350 percent increase in just seven weeks. The airline described the situation as “unprecedented,” noting that even its fuel-efficient aircraft are not insulated from the rising costs.
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Ibom Air stated that despite the sharp increase in operating costs, airlines have been unable to fully pass the burden onto passengers due to competitive pressures and concerns about affordability. “We and our fellow domestic airlines have had to absorb the immense operating losses resulting from this situation,” the statement noted.
The airline added that operators initially expected the crisis to be short-lived, but the persistent increase in fuel prices over nearly two months has made current operations unsustainable. The crisis is affecting the broader aviation sector, with Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) raising concerns over what it described as a suffocating operating environment.
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AON spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, alleged that fuel marketers may be engaging in price manipulation and creating artificial scarcity claims that marketers have strongly denied. Industry data shows that Jet A1 fuel, which sold for between ₦950 and ₦970 per litre just weeks ago, now ranges between ₦2,500 and ₦3,300 per litre, depending on location an increase of up to 300 percent.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has also adjusted its international operations, announcing a temporary reduction of its Abuja–London service to three weekly flights until July 1. The airline said the decision was necessary to maintain safety and operational reliability amid ongoing fuel supply challenges. “We recognise that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” the airline stated.
Airlines expressed confusion over the rising costs, particularly as a significant portion of aviation fuel is reportedly sourced locally from the Dangote Refinery. Operators argue that domestic supply should ordinarily help stabilise prices rather than drive them above global averages.
Airlines have called on fuel marketers to review pricing mechanisms and urged the Federal Government to intervene to prevent further disruptions in the aviation sector. Analysts warn that if the situation persists, more airlines may reduce capacity, increase fares, or suspend certain routes potentially impacting travel, business activities, and economic productivity nationwide.
With no immediate relief in sight, stakeholders say urgent policy action, improved supply chain transparency, and possible subsidies or pricing reforms may be required to stabilise the sector. The coming weeks are expected to be critical as airlines balance operational sustainability with service delivery in an increasingly challenging environment.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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