Ibom Air, one of Nigeria’s domestic carriers, warned that sharply rising aviation‑fuel costs could force the airline to cut capacity to remain viable.
In a statement signed by Group Manager of Marketing and Communication Aniekan Essienette, Ibom Air said fuel expenses have more than tripled since January. The airline now pays roughly N7.6 million per flight, up from an average of N2.1 million in January – an increase of over 350 % in seven weeks. The carrier described the price surge as an “unprecedented crisis” for Nigeria’s airline industry.
Ibom Air questioned why Nigerian fuel prices are far higher than global levels, noting that fuel marketers source more than 95 % of their aviation fuel from the Dangote Refinery. The airline added that competitive pressures and a reluctance to raise fares have forced it and other domestic carriers to absorb substantial operating losses.
The statement explained that the airline had hoped the spike would be short‑lived, but the high prices have persisted for nearly two months with no sign of relief. “While we continue to do everything we can to maintain normal operations, the current conditions are unsustainable,” the airline said. It pointed out that, internationally, airlines are already reducing flights in response to fuel‑price pressures and indicated that Ibom Air may also need to reduce capacity if the situation does not improve.
The carrier called on fuel marketers to review pricing to ensure the airline business model remains viable in Nigeria.
Following a meeting with airline operators, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo signalled that a fare increase may be necessary to keep domestic airlines operational and avoid service disruptions. “Airlines cannot continue to operate for the next seven days without raising prices, so let that be clear to the public; they have been stretched to their limit,” Keyamo said. He also indicated that stakeholders would examine fair pricing for Jet A1 fuel to address possible exploitation by marketers.
The developments highlight ongoing challenges for Nigeria’s aviation sector, where fuel costs are rising faster than in other markets. The next steps will likely involve negotiations between airlines, fuel suppliers, and regulators to stabilise pricing and maintain essential air services.
