Nigerian airlines suspend planned shutdown amid fuel price crisis

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have demonstrated considerable restraint by temporarily calling off their planned nationwide shutdown, a move that brings much-needed relief to countless passengers bracing for travel disruptions. This concession, however, is not without its conditions. The AON's decision hinges on the anticipated outcome of a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, scheduled for Wednesday.

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The Exco would like to state unequivocally that the planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off, albeit temporarily.

The operators had issued a stark warning, threatening to ground flights nationwide in response to what they described as an "astronomical and arbitrary" surge in the price of JetA1 aviation fuel. The cost has reportedly skyrocketed from N900 per litre in February to a staggering N3,300 per litre, a development that has placed an unbearable strain on airline operations.

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The fuel, which sold for N900 per litre in February, had jumped to N3,300 per litre.

While the government, through Minister Keyamo, has appealed for dialogue and pledged to address the concerns, the AON has made it clear that their patience is finite. They are demanding that government agencies and service providers continue to support airlines without undue harassment and cease demanding upfront payments. The temporary suspension underscores the gravity of the fuel price crisis and the precarious state of the Nigerian aviation sector, highlighting the delicate balance between operational viability and the essential service of air travel.

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I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions. The concerns raised by airlines have received the full attention of the Federal Government and immediate steps will be taken to address the issues.