Nigeria’s domestic Air travellers may have to pay more for their flights following the recent hike in JET A1, also known as Aviation fuel.

This was disclosed by Captain Mohammed Joji, the General Secretary, Airline operators of Nigeria at an aviation stakeholders’ forum in Lagos.

Aviation fuel, which is responsible for about 50% of airline cost operation, was increased last Saturday from N170 to N195, making it the third time in almost a year.

The implication of this development according to Joji is that debt-ridden airlines may be forced to increase their fares.

Analysing the situation, Joji said out of the fare charged by Domestic Airline operators, which ranges from N21000 to N23000; Airline operators needs about N9,375 from each passenger to pay for fuel. The increase in aviation fuel will therefore impede on the airline operation as airline operators have to take care of other costs like the maintenance of aircraft.

He lamented that if the fares are increased, passengers may be pushed to take alternative routes (road) – which will amount to loss of passengers for Airline operators.

Joji however urged the government to come up with policies that will protect Airline Operators from bankruptcy.