Tinubu Approves Airline Relief Package Amid Escalating Jet A1 Fuel Crisis

President Bola Tinubu has approved a relief package for Nigerian airlines facing shutdown over soaring Jet A1 fuel costs, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced Wednesday.

The intervention follows emergency stakeholder meetings involving the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, airline operators, and oil marketers. Several airlines had warned they would suspend operations if the crisis continued.

Keyamo said the President approved discounts on certain outstanding fees owed to the Federal Government by airline operators. The decision aims to provide immediate relief and prevent a breakdown in domestic air transport.

Committee to review multiple taxes

The Minister also said President Tinubu will set up a special committee in the coming days to review and reduce the multiple taxes and levies embedded in airfares. The move targets both airline operators and passengers, who bear the cost.

Jet A1 prices have surged nearly 300% in four weeks, from ₦900 per litre in February to ₦3,300 per litre, according to the Airline Operators of Nigeria. Global crude oil prices rose only about 30% in the same period. The AON had warned that without government intervention, several carriers would ground their fleets.

One airline has already halted operations since March 13. The relief package represents a shift from the government’s earlier position of appealing to airlines to exercise restraint. Whether these measures will stabilise the sector long-term remains unclear.

Sources: Channels Television, Nairametrics, BusinessDay, The Sun, NigerianFlightDeck