Management of Ibom Air has warned that the airline may be forced to reduce flight capacity as a result of the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on 26 April, Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, said the cost of fueling an aircraft has more than tripled since January. “From an average of N2.1 million per flight in January, we are now paying approximately N7.6 million per flight,” the statement read, reflecting a rise of more than 350 percent in just seven weeks. The airline added that its fleet is among the most fuel‑efficient in the domestic market.
Ibom Air noted that the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria is considerably higher than in other countries, despite most of the supply – over 95 percent – being sourced from the Dangote Refinery. The company said competitive pressures and a reluctance to raise fares have forced it and other domestic carriers to absorb the operating losses.
“While we continue to do everything possible to maintain normal operations, the current situation is unsustainable,” the statement said. It pointed out that airlines worldwide are reducing flights in response to fuel price increases, albeit at much lower levels than those experienced in Nigeria. Ibom Air indicated that it may need to cut capacity in the coming days to sustain service to customers and the country. If the pricing pressure persists, the airline warned that operations could become financially unviable.
The statement called on fuel marketers to “seriously” reconsider aviation fuel pricing to preserve the airline business model in Nigeria.
The warning follows reports that several domestic airlines are considering a week‑long shutdown beginning 30 April 2026, after a 300 percent jump in fuel costs. Negotiations between the government, fuel suppliers, and airline representatives have so far failed to produce a solution. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo recently offered a 30 percent tax reduction and debt relief for airlines, but the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said these measures do not address the core issue of soaring fuel prices.
The ongoing fuel crisis threatens to disrupt domestic air travel in Nigeria, with potential knock‑on effects for business, tourism, and regional connectivity. Stakeholders are awaiting further dialogue to resolve the pricing dispute and stabilize the sector.
