Air travelers in Nigeria may soon face higher ticket prices as the cost of aviation fuel continues to rise sharply across the country.
Industry experts say the surge in fuel prices is closely linked to increasing global crude oil prices, which recently climbed above $100 per barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.
The spike in global oil prices has directly affected the cost of Jet A1 fuel, the primary fuel used by commercial aircraft, putting additional financial pressure on Nigerian airlines.
Jet A1 Fuel Price Jumps by Over 50%
Recent market estimates indicate that aviation fuel prices in Nigeria have surged significantly.
Jet A1, which previously sold between ₦940 and ₦980 per litre, now costs approximately ₦1,500 to ₦1,600 per litre in many locations across the country.
This sharp increase — more than 50 percent within a short period — has raised concerns within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Because fuel represents the largest portion of airline operating expenses, analysts believe airlines may soon increase ticket prices to offset the rising cost.
Domestic Airfares Could Climb to ₦200,000
At present, the average one-way domestic flight ticket in Nigeria costs roughly ₦150,000.
However, industry observers warn that fares could soon increase to between ₦185,000 and ₦200,000 if aviation fuel prices continue to rise.
Traditionally, fuel accounts for about 30–35 percent of airline operational costs. With the current price surge, aviation professionals say the figure could increase to 40–45 percent, making fuel the most expensive component of airline operations.
According to aviation analyst Samuel Caulcrick, airlines have little choice but to adjust pricing when fuel costs increase significantly.
He noted that fuel remains a critical resource for airline operations, and any major price increase inevitably affects airfare pricing.
Jet A1 Prices Vary Across Nigerian Airports
The cost of aviation fuel is not uniform nationwide. Prices often differ depending on location, supplier arrangements, and the purchasing capacity of airlines.
Current estimates suggest Jet A1 prices are approximately:
- ₦1,500 per litre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos
- ₦1,600 per litre at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja
- ₦1,700 per litre or higher at airports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Kano
These regional differences create additional challenges for airlines operating multiple domestic routes.
Fueling a Lagos–Abuja Flight Now Costs Millions
Aviation specialist Charles Amokwu explained that a typical Boeing 737 aircraft requires roughly 3,500 to 4,000 litres of Jet A1 fuel to operate a flight between Lagos and Abuja.
At the current fuel price levels, refueling an aircraft for this short domestic route can cost around ₦6 million.
Such high costs are forcing airlines to reassess their operational strategies and ticket pricing structures.
Nigerian Air Travelers May Soon Pay More
With global crude oil prices rising and local aviation fuel costs following the same trend, industry analysts believe higher airfare may be unavoidable.
If Jet A1 prices remain elevated in the coming weeks, Nigerian airlines are expected to review and possibly increase ticket prices to stay financially sustainable.
For frequent flyers, business travelers, and commuters who rely on domestic flights, the development could translate to significantly higher travel expenses.