JET-A1 CRISIS: AIRLINES BORROWING, CUTTING OPERATIONS TO SURVIVE — ONYEMA

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has revealed that many Nigerian airlines are borrowing heavily and scaling back operations in a bid to survive the ongoing Jet-A1 aviation fuel crisis.
According to Onyema, the soaring cost of aviation fuel has placed enormous pressure on airline operators, forcing them to make difficult financial and operational decisions to remain in business.
He explained that several carriers have reduced flight frequencies, adjusted schedules, and sought loans to cope with rising operating expenses, warning that the situation is threatening the sustainability of the aviation industry.
The Air Peace boss noted that fuel accounts for a significant portion of airline operating costs, making fluctuations in Jet-A1 prices particularly damaging to the sector.
Onyema called for urgent interventions to stabilise fuel supply and reduce operational challenges facing domestic airlines, stressing that the survival of the industry is critical to economic growth and national connectivity.
He also urged stakeholders to work together to develop long-term solutions that would strengthen the aviation sector and prevent further disruptions to air travel services.
The disclosure comes amid growing concerns about the impact of rising costs on airlines, passengers, and the overall aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.