Aviation
Ibom Air Warns of Crisis Over Soaring Fuel Costs
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.
The Gusau International Airport (GIA) in Zamfara state has passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) quality assurance tests and inspections ahead of the commencement of commercial operations next month.
The development comes as the airport prepares to begin scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement by the state government on Tuesday, XEJet Limited is expected to operate bi-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from the first week of October.
An official of a leading Nigerian aviation agency said the airport’s instrument flight procedures had undergone ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process, with GIA completing and passing all the stages.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the process was part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement corrective measures recommended by ICAO.
ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards and promoting the safe and orderly development of international air transport.
Nigeria’s civil aviation system recorded an effective implementation (EI) score of 75 percent after an ICAO audit in 2023.
The official said ICAO conducted a follow-up inspection, known as the ICAO coordinated validation mission (ICVM), in April 2026, during which Nigeria had a significant safety concern (SSC).
He said the concern was resolved within the prescribed 40-day period, although Nigeria was required to implement associated medium-term corrective action plans.
As part of the corrective measures, the instrument flight procedures at several Nigerian airports were subjected to ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process.
“Of all the airports assessed, only Gusau International Airport (GIA) completed and passed all the 17 steps,” the senior aviation official said.
“The evidence of GIA’s successful completion of this demanding process formed part of the documentation submitted to ICAO.
“Following the ICVM, Nigeria achieved an impressive EI score of 95.1%.”
On September 21, the Zamfara government signed an air route development partnership agreement with XEJet for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and Abuja.
The agreement is expected to enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.
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The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday marked an important step towards improving connectivity and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic growth in Zamfara State.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The statement added that the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed on behalf of the State Government.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the partnership aligns with the state government’s strategic goal of enhancing transportation infrastructure.
He said, “The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years.”
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy.”
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara.”
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment.”
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