Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) suspended a planned shutdown of flight operations set for 20 April, following an appeal by the Federal Government. The decision came after Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urged airlines to avoid fare hikes and operational suspensions, citing potential economic disruption and hardship for Nigerians. In a letter dated 16 April, Keyamo warned that such actions would have "far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence." AON described its suspension as "concessionary but conditional," pending a high-level stakeholders' meeting on 22 April in Abuja. The group cited a surge in Jet A1 fuel prices to N3,300 per litre, up from N900 in February, as the primary reason for the planned shutdown. Airlines say fuel accounts for 30–40 per cent of operating costs, making them highly sensitive to price fluctuations. AON demanded an end to "undue harassment" and upfront payment requirements by government agencies and service providers. The Abuja meeting is expected to address solutions to the ongoing aviation fuel crisis.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria suspended a shutdown only after government pressure, despite knowing fuel costs have made flights unsustainable for weeks. Minister Festus Keyamo warns of economic disruption from airline actions, yet offers no solution to the fuel pricing crisis his agencies are part of. If airlines are expected to absorb N3,300 per litre fuel costs to protect the economy, Nigerian passengers will inevitably bear the burden through hidden charges or reduced service. The 22 April meeting is not a resolution but a delay — the real test is whether officials acknowledge their role in the pricing chain.
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