We can no longer afford Aviation Fuel, Airline Operators vow to suspend Flights

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that domestic flights may be suspended from April 20 over the persistent rise in the price of Jet A1,  also known as aviation fuel.

The body said in a notice signed by its President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina in Lagos.

Sarina said the price of Jet A1 had increased to N3,300 per litre from about N900 per litre in February, representing a 300 per cent rise.

According to him, the increase, driven by marketers, has significantly raised airlines’ operational costs.

He noted that the rise was not in line with global crude oil price trends, which reflect about a 30 per cent increase.

Sarina said airlines had, in the past four weeks, continued operations despite the rising costs out of a sense of responsibility to the nation.

He, however, said the situation had become unsustainable.

“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily.

“The actions of fuel marketers are putting the aviation industry and the nation’s economy, safety and security at risk, as airlines are being forced to consider suspending operations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this increase has already affected one airline, forcing it to suspend operations since March 13,” he said.

Sarina said the situation could worsen if urgent action was not taken.

According to him, adjusting ticket prices to reflect current fuel costs could lead to reduced passenger traffic, while a shutdown of operations would affect jobs, financial institutions and national security.

“We urge marketers to adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current rates,” he said.

The notice was addressed to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, with copies sent to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, among others.

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United Nigeria Air drops Airbus from Sky aftermath 6 Bird Strikes in 2026

United Nigeria Airlines says it has withdrawn Airbus A320-200 from operations after it was hit by a bird strike on Wednesday.

Chibuikem Uloka, the Public Relations Officer of United Nigeria, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said that it was the sixth bird strike involving the company carriers in 2026.

Uloka said the incident occurred on landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Port Harcourt International Airport operating Flight UN0515 on April 15.

He said the nose section of the aircraft was affected.

“We regret to inform our valued passengers and the general public of yet another bird strike aircraft involving one of our Airbus A320-200,” he said.

The company said it had immediately withdrawn the aircraft from operations to undergo thorough technical inspections and any required maintenance before returning to service.

It said this was in line with its strict and uncompromising safety standards.

”This marks the sixth bird strike involving our aircraft so far in 2026, an occurrence we find deeply concerning and unacceptable due to its implications for aviation safety and operational stability.

“This brings the total number of grounded aircraft to two in less than 24 hours.

“As a result, some flights across our network may experience disruptions or may not operate as scheduled,” it said.

United Nigeria regretted any inconvenience the decision may cause urging passengers understanding as safety remained top priority.

The company said it was working diligently to minimise disruptions and provision of support to all affected travelers.

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Senate to NNPCL Management: You have until April 29 to account for N210trn Audit Queries

The Senate, through its Committee on Public Accounts, has given the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) up till April 29 to appear before it to account for the N210 trillion flagged in audit reports from 2017 to 2023.

The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari, on the scheduled date unfailingly.

Also expected to appear are former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti and the external auditors of the national oil company.

The committee’s resolutions followed a motion moved by Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).

Chairman of the committee, Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), said that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management.

Wadada said that the explanations provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserved clear, detailed and convincing responses.

“This committee, and by extension, the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on N103 trillion, which it claimed represents liabilities.

“Liabilities have components such as retention fees, legal fees and audit fees. Specific amounts spent on each of these components must be clearly stated and explained.

“Detailed explanations are also required for the N107 trillion which NNPCL said was expended on joint venture cash calls as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.

“Consequently, it is resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly.

“The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29,” Wadada said.

Earlier, a member of the committee, Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), had called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL officials, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.

“We must treat this matter with utmost seriousness. The strength of democracy rests significantly on the authority of the legislature.

“Unfortunately, there appears to be a growing reluctance to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in enforcing compliance,” he said.

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