Airline operators in Nigeria have suspended a planned nationwide shutdown of flight operations over rising jet fuel prices, following an appeal by the federal government.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria had earlier warned it would halt services from Monday, April 20, citing surging fuel costs that have made operations unsustainable.
In a statement, the group said it agreed to pause the action after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, called for restraint and dialogue.
The suspension is conditional, pending the outcome of a meeting scheduled for April 22 involving all stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Airlines say the spike in jet fuel prices, worsened by supply constraints and foreign exchange pressures, has sharply increased operational costs. Fuel accounts for more than a third of airline expenses in Nigeria.
The global aviation industry has also been affected by rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, forcing airlines to increase fares and review expansion plans.
