Carriers put proposed closure on hold

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Airline operators in Nigeria have suspended their planned nationwide shutdown.

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The suspension brings relief to thousands of passengers who would have faced travel disruptions from Monday.

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However, the operators warned that the suspension is temporary.

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They said their next line of action depends on the outcome of a meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, scheduled for Wednesday.

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The Airline Operators of Nigeria announced the decision in a communiqué released late Friday after an emergency meeting.

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The group described its decision as “concessionary but conditional.”

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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 communiqué read.

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The operators had threatened the shutdown over the rising cost of JetA1 aviation fuel.

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

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The group described the increase as “astronomical and arbitrary” and warned it had severely strained airline operations.

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Keyamo had earlier appealed to the operators to stand down. He urged them not to increase fares or proceed with the shutdown, asking instead for dialogue.

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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,” the minister said.

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While agreeing to suspend the strike, AON made clear that its patience has limits.

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The association demanded that government agencies and service providers continue to support airlines during negotiations. It also asked them to stop demanding upfront payments for services.

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“As a precondition for the suspension, we call on the Honourable Minister to urge the various government agencies and industry service providers to continue to provide services to airlines and desist from undue harassment, as well as to stop demanding upfront payment for services rendered.

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“We respect the appeals of the Federal Government… and will therefore be patient for the outcome of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to determine any further decision,” the communiqué stated.

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