Ibom Air aviation fuel crisis Nigeria deepens as airline warns rising costs could force flight cuts or suspension amid unsustainable operating losses

Ibom Air has raised alarm over what it described as an escalating aviation fuel crisis in Nigeria, revealing that the cost of fuelling each aircraft has surged to about N7.6 million per flight, a development it says could force operational cuts or even suspension of services.

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The airline’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communications, Mrs Ani Essienette, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Uyo, noting that the sharp increase in fuel prices between January and April has placed severe pressure on domestic carriers.

According to the statement, the Ibom Air aviation fuel crisis Nigeria situation has reached an unsustainable level, with costs reportedly more than tripling within a few months.

“At Ibom Air, the cost of fuelling our aircraft has more than tripled between January and today,” Mrs Essienette said.

“From an average of N2.1m per flight in January, as at today, the 27th of April, we are paying approximately N7.6m to fuel every flight.”

The airline described the situation as an unprecedented challenge for Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector, warning that continued increases could destabilise operations across the industry.

Mrs Essienette expressed concern that aviation fuel prices in Nigeria have continued to rise despite global trends, adding that most fuel marketers reportedly source the majority of their supply from the Dangote Refinery.

“At this point, domestic airlines are baffled at why the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria has ballooned to this level, way above the rest of the world,” she stated.

She further explained that airlines have been unable to fully adjust ticket prices due to competitive pressures and concerns about passenger affordability, resulting in significant financial strain.

According to her, operators initially expected the situation to ease within weeks, but the sustained increase over nearly two months has deepened losses and heightened uncertainty across the sector.

The airline warned that if the trend continues, it may be forced to reduce flight capacity or take more drastic measures to remain operational.

“While we continue to do everything we can to maintain normal operations, it is clear to us that the current conditions are unsustainable,” Mrs Essienette said.

She added that global airlines are already adjusting flight schedules in response to fuel cost pressures, stressing that Nigerian operators may have no choice but to follow similar steps if the situation persists.

Ibom Air called on aviation fuel marketers to urgently review pricing structures to ensure the sustainability of airline operations in the country.

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“We call on the fuel marketers to seriously reconsider the pricing of aviation fuel to make the airline business model continue to work in Nigeria,” the statement added.