There are growing concerns that air ticket prices may rise sharply in the coming weeks as the cost of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, continues to climb, placing heavy strain on airline operations.
The increase in fuel prices is linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has disrupted crude oil production and distribution across global markets. This situation has significantly driven up operating costs for domestic airlines.
Findings show that aviation fuel, which previously sold for between ₦900 and ₦995 per litre before the crisis, now ranges from about ₦2,500 to ₦2,700 depending on the airport. The sharp rise has made fuel the major cost driver for airlines in recent weeks.
Industry operators say aviation fuel already accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of total operating expenses, and the current surge is pushing that figure even higher. As a result, many airlines are reviewing their pricing, warning that ticket fares could increase drastically, possibly doubling if the trend continues.
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Sources within the aviation sector also revealed that fuel prices have remained unstable since late February 2026, when tensions escalated in Iran. Prices have fluctuated several times since then, making it difficult for airlines to plan and fix ticket rates.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for United Nigeria Airlines, Chibuike Uloka, has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to engage airline operators on the sustainability of current pricing.
The commission had earlier accused some airlines of price fixing, an allegation operators have denied.
Uloka noted that despite fuel costs exceeding ₦2,000 per litre, many airlines have kept fares around ₦195,000. However, he warned that this may not be sustainable for long.
He added that if fuel prices rise to ₦3,000 per litre, some airlines may be forced to shut down operations, leading to fewer flights and even higher ticket prices for passengers.
