Minister Keyamo Writes AON On Planned Flight Suspension, Schedules A Meeting
The Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) has written a letter to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) appealing “for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.”
In the letter dated April 16, 2026 and addressed to AON President, Keyamo said the letter was in reference to AON’s correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting its “member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per liter as at February 28, 2026 to N3.300 per liter as at today, representing a three hundred percent (300 %) increase.”
“At the outset, I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.
Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration. You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators,” stated Keyamo.
He urged the AON members “to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.”
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues.
Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course,” said Keyamo.
