Airline operators in Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel, warning that a potential shutdown of flight operations could have far-reaching economic consequences.
The alarm was raised on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today by the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, who highlighted the worsening challenges facing operators in the aviation sector.
Okonkwo alleged that the current pricing of aviation fuel was being driven by manipulation within the supply chain, pointing to artificial scarcity and black market activities as major contributors.
He maintained that the cost of Jet A1 is unjustifiably high and cautioned against transferring the burden to passengers, describing such a move as unfair.
According to him, many airlines are already under severe financial strain, with their reserves nearly exhausted and operations becoming increasingly unsustainable.
He warned that several operators were at what he described as their “last breath,” adding that some airlines could shut down within days if the situation does not improve.
The airline executive stressed that any disruption in the aviation sector would extend beyond air travel, affecting economic activities that depend on efficient transportation and connectivity.
He called for urgent intervention to address the fuel supply challenges and stabilise prices, warning that failure to act could plunge the sector into a deeper crisis.
