Airline operators in Nigeria have suspended a planned nationwide shutdown of flight operations following government intervention over rising fuel costs.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had earlier warned it would halt services from Monday, April 20, citing what it described as crippling jet fuel prices that have made operations increasingly unsustainable.
In a statement, the group confirmed that the suspension followed an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who urged stakeholders to allow room for dialogue. The association said it agreed to pause the action pending the outcome of a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22.
The suspension remains conditional, with airline operators indicating that further steps will depend on the resolutions reached during discussions convened by the ministry.
Industry players say soaring jet fuel prices driven in part by global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict have placed significant strain on airline operations worldwide. Airlines have responded by increasing fares, adjusting expansion plans, and revising financial forecasts.
In Nigeria, operators note that the situation has been worsened by domestic supply constraints and persistent foreign exchange pressures, which have driven up the cost of aviation fuel.
Fuel expenses account for more than a third of operational costs for Nigerian airlines, making price volatility a critical factor in the sector’s sustainability. Observers say the outcome of the upcoming talks will be pivotal in determining the short-term stability of the country’s aviation industry.
