Management of Ibom Air has warned that the airline may be forced to reduce flight capacity because of the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices in Nigeria. In a statement issued on 26 April, Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager of 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, yet the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria remains considerably higher than in other countries, despite over 95 percent of the supply being sourced from the Dangote Refinery. Competitive pressures and a reluctance to raise fares have forced Ibom Air and other domestic carriers to absorb operating losses. “While we continue to do everything possible to maintain normal operations, the current situation is unsustainable,” the statement said.
Ibom Air noted that airlines worldwide are reducing flights in response to fuel price increases, but at much lower levels than those experienced in Nigeria. It indicated that it may need to cut capacity in the coming days to sustain service to customers and the country. If 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.
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