Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have raised concerns over the soaring cost of aviation fuel, warning that it could disrupt the 2026 Hajj operations.
The Concerned Aviation Stakeholders group said the sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 poses serious logistical and financial risks to the airlift of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the development, the group’s president, Bukalti Usaman Gamawa, noted that many airlines contracted for the Hajj exercise rely on leased aircraft, and the rising fuel costs have significantly eroded their profit margins.
He warned that some airlines could be forced to operate at a loss or may even be unable to commence or complete operations if the situation persists.
Gamawa explained that when Hajj contracts were initially signed, Jet A1 was priced at about ₦1,000 per litre in Nigeria, but has since surged to as high as ₦3,000 per litre across major departure points, representing a 200 per cent increase.
He added that fuel prices on the Saudi side have also risen sharply, from around $0.68 per litre to about $1.40, further compounding operational costs for return flights.
According to him, the dual impact of high fuel prices in Nigeria and increased costs abroad places a heavy financial burden on airlines, with some flights incurring additional fuel expenses exceeding ₦100 million.
Stakeholders have therefore called for urgent government intervention, including pricing regulation, forex support, or strategic fuel supply arrangements, to prevent a potential crisis.
They warned that without timely action, Hajj fares could rise significantly in 2026, or in extreme cases, operations could face disruption.
