Domestic airline operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria have suspended their planned nationwide shutdown, choosing dialogue after intervention from the government.
The decision came after an emergency meeting held on Friday, where members considered an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who urged them to remain calm and engage with stakeholders.
The AON had earlier announced plans to stop operations from Monday, April 20, due to the sharp increase in the cost of Jet A1 fuel. According to the operators, the price has risen from about ₦900 to over ₦3,000 per litre, putting serious pressure on their businesses.
In a statement released after the meeting, the association said it has temporarily called off the shutdown to allow room for discussions.
“The planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off, albeit temporarily, pending the outcome of the meeting called by the Honourable Minister,” the association stated.
The group explained that the decision was made in good faith to allow negotiations to take place, with a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22.
However, the operators warned that their decision depends on improvements in the aviation sector. They highlighted ongoing challenges, especially the demand by service providers for upfront payments.
“We further request that these agencies halt the practice of demanding upfront payment for services rendered, as this continues to compound the financial burden on operators,” AON said.
The association also called on authorities to ensure that airlines are not disrupted or pressured while discussions are ongoing.
Although they appreciated the minister’s intervention, the operators made it clear that their next step will depend on the outcome of the upcoming negotiations.
