Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing a serious crisis, driven by rising fuel costs, low passenger numbers, and operational challenges, an industry expert has said.
This is the expert opinion and analysis of Wole Shadare, an Aviation Sector Analyst.
Speaking on Tuesday on Morning Crossfire with Kofi Bartels on Nigeria Info 99.3FM, Shadare said the situation is both local and global, but worse in Nigeria.
“It is a crisis,” he said. “The price went up from ₦900 per litre to ₦3,300.
“It is not sustainable for the aviation industry.”
He explained that while global fuel prices rose by about 40 percent, Nigeria recorded an over 300 percent increase, raising concerns about possible market issues.
Shadare warned that airlines are struggling to survive, with some already cutting flights.
“Two airlines are going to go out of business before the end of the year,” he said.
“We have seen one already that has stopped operation.”
He added that fewer Nigerians are flying due to high ticket prices and economic hardship.
The analyst also blamed poor operational choices, noting that many airlines use the wrong aircraft.
He said aviation fuel now takes up to 50 percent of airline costs, making profit difficult.
Despite the crisis, he praised government efforts to address leasing and regulatory issues but said more action is needed.
