Domestic airline operators in Nigeria have suspended their proposed nationwide halt of flight services after the Federal Government stepped in to mediate the dispute over soaring aviation fuel prices.
The decision was announced by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) after an emergency meeting of its leadership, where members reviewed an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, urging them to postpone the planned action and pursue dialogue.
The airline body had earlier warned that it might suspend operations beginning Monday in protest against the sharp surge in the cost of Jet A1 fuel, which it described as crippling for the country’s domestic aviation sector.
Operators maintained that the cost of aviation fuel had climbed dramatically in recent months, rising from about ₦900 per litre to more than ₦3,000.
According to the group, the increase has significantly raised operational costs and placed airlines under severe financial strain.
Following deliberations, the association said it agreed to temporarily shelve the shutdown plan to give room for discussions with the government and other stakeholders in the aviation value chain.
“Our members resolved to hold back the proposed suspension of flight operations in response to the minister’s appeal,” the association stated.
“We believe engaging all stakeholders offers a better path to resolving the current crisis affecting airline operations.”
The group explained that a stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22 to address the concerns raised by airline operators, particularly the escalating cost of aviation fuel and other financial pressures affecting the industry.
AON expressed hope that the planned discussions would produce practical solutions capable of stabilising the sector and preventing disruptions to air travel across the country.
Nevertheless, the association stressed that the suspension of the industrial action should not be interpreted as a permanent withdrawal of the plan.
“This step is only a temporary measure to allow dialogue to take place,” the body noted, adding that the outcome of the upcoming meeting will determine the operators’ next line of action.
The airline operators also appealed to government agencies and aviation service providers to avoid policies that could further worsen the challenges facing the industry.
In particular, the association raised concerns about what it described as the growing practice of demanding advance payment for services, warning that the requirement is placing additional financial pressure on already struggling carriers.
“We expect service providers and regulatory agencies to support the stability of the industry during this period of engagement,” the group added.
Airline operators said they would await the results of the government-convened meeting before deciding whether further measures would be necessary to protect the viability of domestic air travel in Nigeria.