Domestic carriers in Nigeria have announced plans to halt flight operations from April 20, warning that soaring Jet A1 fuel prices are pushing the aviation industry toward collapse.

The planned suspension, led by the Airline Operators of Nigeria under President Abdulmunaf Sarina, follows mounting frustration over what airlines describe as exploitative and arbitrary pricing by fuel marketers.

Operators say the relentless rise in aviation fuel costs—already one of the biggest expenses for airlines—has made continued service financially unsustainable, leaving many carriers unable to absorb the pressure.

If the shutdown goes ahead, it could cripple domestic air travel nationwide, disrupting passenger movement, cargo logistics, tourism, and business operations across multiple sectors.

Airlines are urging immediate government intervention, arguing that without price stabilisation or emergency relief measures, the survival of Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry is at serious risk.

The dispute adds to wider challenges facing the sector, including foreign exchange shortages, expensive aircraft maintenance, and infrastructure constraints, while regulators and fuel suppliers have yet to issue an official response.