Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj airlift is under threat after jet fuel prices tripled within weeks, raising fears of record-high fares or a possible disruption of pilgrimage operations.
A coalition of aviation operators, the Concerned Aviation Stakeholders, warned that the cost of Jet A1 fuel has surged from about ₦1,000 to as high as ₦3,000 per litre across major airports, including Abuja, Kano and Lagos — a spike that could cripple airline operations tied to fixed-price contracts.
Its president, Bukalti Usaman Gamawa, described the 200 per cent increase as “potentially ruinous,” noting that airlines now face mounting losses on both domestic and international legs of the pilgrimage.
He said fuel prices in Saudi Arabia have also more than doubled — from about $0.68 to $1.40 per litre — compounding pressure on carriers.
To illustrate the impact, Gamawa explained that a single Hajj flight consuming 70,000 litres of fuel would now cost up to ₦175 million, compared to ₦70 million when contracts were signed.
“With current pricing, many airlines may operate at a loss or struggle to commence operations,” he said.
Industry players warn that without urgent intervention, some carriers could withdraw entirely, leaving thousands of intending pilgrims stranded or forcing steep fare increases.
Although direct government subsidies have been discontinued, stakeholders are urging authorities to consider emergency measures, including foreign exchange support, fuel pricing stabilisation, or strategic supply arrangements.
Analysts say the crisis highlights broader vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where volatile fuel costs continue to threaten operational sustainability.
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