Airfares in Nigeria Face 25% Surge as Aviation Fuel Climbs to N1,600 per Litre!

Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media

Africa Airfares on domestic routes across Nigeria may rise by as much as 25 percent following a sharp increase in the price of aviation fuel, commonly known as Jet A1, which has surged to about ₦1,600 per litre. The development is expected to significantly impact the cost of local air travel as airlines grapple with escalating operational expenses.Industry stakeholders say the continued rise in aviation fuel prices one of the most critical cost components in airline operations could force carriers to adjust ticket prices in order to sustain operations and maintain service delivery.According to aviation operators and sector analysts, Jet A1 now accounts for more than 40 percent of airline operating costs in the country. The latest price increase adds further pressure to an industry already navigating currency volatility, infrastructure constraints, and high maintenance expenses.Airline operators under the umbrella of the Airline Operators of Nigeria have repeatedly warned that persistent spikes in fuel costs could destabilize the domestic aviation market if not addressed through policy support and improved fuel supply logistics.Experts within the industry say the increase reflects broader pressures within the country’s energy supply chain, including foreign exchange challenges and the cost of importing refined petroleum products. Although efforts have been made to stabilize fuel supply, volatility in pricing continues to ripple across the aviation sector.For passengers, the potential fare hike could translate into significantly higher travel costs on key domestic routes linking cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt routes that account for a large share of Nigeria’s domestic air traffic.Industry observers note that rising airfares may also influence travel behavior, potentially pushing some passengers to alternative transportation options such as road travel, particularly for shorter intercity routes.The situation has renewed calls for long-term reforms in the aviation fuel supply chain, including investments in local refining capacity and improved distribution systems to stabilize Jet A1 availability and pricing.As the aviation sector continues to recover from economic shocks and operational constraints, stakeholders stress that stabilizing fuel costs will be critical to sustaining affordable air travel and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry.

Sources:Punch Newspapers, The Guardian Nigeria, Business Day Nigeria, Channels Television

Antiketu Musa

Musa Antiketu is a journalist with Sele Media Africa from Kogi State, Nigeria, driven by a deep commitment to truth and integrity in reporting. She is passionate about crafting compelling narratives on current affairs, sports, and trending international news, bringing clarity and insight to complex issues. Currently pursuing a degree in History and International Studies at Prince Abubakar Audu University, she combines strong research ability with effective communication skills to produce engaging, impactful content that advances organizational goals while fostering her continuous professional growth.

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