The Digest:
Airlines in Nigeria face mounting operational pressure as aviation fuel (Jet A1) prices surge to N1,835 per litre in Kano, N1,820 in Abuja, N1,815 in Port Harcourt, and N1,780 in Lagos, driven by the escalating Middle East conflict. Industry experts warn the steep fuel costs will likely translate into higher airfares, potentially reducing passenger traffic, especially for leisure travel. Airline Operators of Nigeria spokesman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo described the increase as "quite astronomical" but inevitable due to the war, noting that airlines must submit price change proposals to the NCAA at least two weeks before implementation. Aviation analyst Capt. Samuel Caulcrick linked the surge to Nigeria's dollar dependence for petroleum transactions, explaining that even local refiners must buy crude in dollars. He warned that business travellers may be unaffected, but leisure travellers will "feel the pinch," potentially reducing seat occupancy and straining airline revenues.
Key Points
- Aviation fuel hits N1,835/L in Kano, N1,820 in Abuja, N1,815 in PH, and N1,780 in Lagos.
- Fuel costs are likely to push airfares higher, especially affecting leisure travellers.
- Okonkwo: increase "astronomical" but inevitable due to the Middle East war.
- Caulcrick: dollar dependence drives cost despite local refining.
- Airlines must submit price changes to the NCAA two weeks before implementation.
As Jet A1 soars past N1,800, airlines brace for impact, higher fares, fewer leisure travellers, and an industry caught between war abroad and dollars at home.
Sources: Industry Experts
