Airfares May Rise In Nigeria As Aviation Fuel Hits ₦1,600 Per Litre

Industry analysts say the increase is largely connected to rising global crude oil prices, which recently climbed above $100 per barrel amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The development has significantly affected the cost of Jet A1 fuel — the specialized fuel used by commercial aircraft — forcing airlines to prepare for higher operational expenses.

Recent market estimates show that the price of Jet A1 in Nigeria has jumped sharply from around ₦940–₦980 per litre to between ₦1,500 and ₦1,600 per litre, representing an increase of more than 50 percent within a short period. This surge, confirmed across major Nigerian dailies, has sent shockwaves through the aviation sector.

Because aviation fuel accounts for the largest share of airline operating costs, experts say airlines may soon adjust ticket prices to offset the rising cost of fuel.

Currently, the average one-way domestic flight ticket in Nigeria sells for about ₦150,000, but industry observers warn that fares could rise to between ₦185,000 and ₦200,000 if fuel prices remain elevated.

Fuel traditionally represents about 30–35 percent of airline operational expenses. However, aviation professionals say the recent surge could push that figure to 40–45 percent, placing additional financial pressure on airlines already dealing with high operational costs.

According to aviation analyst Samuel Caulcrick, the current Jet A1 price trend means fuel has now become the most expensive component of airline operations.

“Airlines rely heavily on fuel, and when prices rise this quickly, it directly affects ticket pricing,” he noted.

The cost of aviation fuel is not uniform across the country. Prices often vary depending on the airport location, supplier agreements, and the purchasing capacity of individual airlines.

Current estimates indicate that Jet A1 fuel prices are approximately: ₦1,500 per litre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos ₦1,600 per litre at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja ₦1,700 per litre or higher at airports such as Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Kano

The price disparity further complicates airline operations, particularly for carriers operating multiple domestic routes.

Another aviation expert, Charles Amokwu, explained that a typical Boeing 737 aircraft requires roughly 3,500 to 4,000 litres of fuel to complete a flight between Lagos and Abuja. At current Jet A1 prices, fueling an aircraft for that short domestic route can cost around ₦6 million, significantly raising the operating cost for airlines.

Confirming the looming impact, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, has already hinted at possible ticket adjustments, noting that airlines cannot absorb such sharp increases in commodity prices indefinitely.

With fuel costs rising globally and aviation fuel prices climbing locally, experts believe Nigerian passengers may soon experience higher airfare prices. Airlines are expected to review ticket pricing structures in the coming weeks if the cost of Jet A1 continues to increase.

For frequent travelers and business commuters, the development could mean paying substantially more for domestic air travel, further straining pockets amid the nation’s economic realities.