Adedokun Waliyu 
There are fears that, at least, three domestic airlines may close shop in the coming months due to the continuous rise in the price of Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has raised the alarm over the rising cost of Jet A1. As at yesterday, the product sold for N714 per litre across some airports. About 16 months ago, aviation fuel sold for about N200 per litre.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) with the theme: ‘Advancing the frontiers of possibilities for safe, secure and profitable air transport’, in Abuja, AON’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Allen Onyema, warned that if the challenge of aviation fuel was not nipped in the bud, more airlines might shutdown because many of them are going through very difficult times due to aviation fuel prices and other challenges.
According to AON, to address the challenge, the Federal Government had approved 10,000 metric tonnes of the commodity to the airlines, but the carriers were yet to access it.
Onyema explained that the airlines hoped to start lifting the product from today.
He said: ”That is why we ran to the government and the Federal Government has given us about 10,000 metric tonnes of fuel at the cost of N580 per litre in Lagos and about N607 per litre outside Lagos.
”Some airlines outside Nigeria have closed down because of the effects of rising aviation fuel. If these things are not addressed in Nigeria, it can affect the bottom line of airlines in Nigeria.
