The Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON) has temporarily suspended a planned nationwide shutdown of operations following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The suspension of the shutdown followed an emergency meeting held on April 17, 2026.
AON had decided to suspend flight operations as a result of the 300 per cent increase in the price of aviation fuel also known as Jet A-1, as situation that is still generating discussions among aviation stakeholders and air travellers.
However, industry stakeholders have warned that the underlying issues remain unresolved as a result attention now shifts to the outcome of a high-level emergency stakeholders meeting scheduled for April 22, 2026, where government and operators are expected to seek lasting solutions to the lingering crisis.
Recall that that there was a “robust deliberations” by its Executive Council and Board of Trustees.
However, AON has informed that the suspension was conditional, pending tangible outcomes from ongoing government engagement.
The suspension , AON further noted does not signal resolution but rather a willingness to allow dialogue.
Recall also that Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo had in a letter acknowledged the severe challenges facing the airline operatorsdue to the alleged Increase of JetA1 by oil marketers by 300 per cent.
“I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions, ” Keyamo said.
The Minister thereafter assured the association that the Federal Government had taken the concerns seriously and would act promptly.
Though the complain of the association is not new, the latest increase by the marketers seems to have thrown the operators off balance, a situation that has forced some operators to scale down operations.
The reason been that aviation fuel is a very critical part of airline expenses, making price volatility a critical threat.
Meanwhile, the opetators have given conditions for suspension of the proposed shutdown.
One of the conditions is that they urged the Minister to ensure that the Federal Government agencies and service providers continue operations without disruption.
Secondly, the association called for an end to what they described as undue harassment and demands for upfront payments.
AON argued that cooperation from agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) remains vital.
It further pointed out that operational bottlenecks and financial pressures could worsen if these concerns are ignored, maintaining that a stable regulatory and service environment is seen as essential.
It however reaffirmed respect for the Federal Government’s intervention and expressed readiness to remain patient while awaiting the outcome of the April 22 emergency stakeholders meeting.
AON stated that future decisions would depend on concrete actions, not promises.
About The Author
