Nigerian Airlines Suspends Planned Shutdown

Nigerian Airlines Suspends Planned Shutdown

Domestic airlines in Nigeria have suspended a planned nationwide shutdown after intervention from the government, but warned the decision is temporary.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria announced the move following an emergency meeting, citing ongoing concerns over rising Jet A1 fuel costs.

The operators had earlier threatened to halt flights from April 20 due to a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.

While airlines claimed prices rose steeply within weeks, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority presented lower figures, creating a dispute over actual costs.

The situation raised fears of major disruption in the aviation sector.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, appealed to the airlines to allow dialogue, leading to the temporary suspension.

The operators said they agreed after receiving assurances that the government would address their concerns.

A key meeting has been fixed to find solutions to the crisis.

Despite the pause, airlines warned that operations could still be halted if no progress is made.

They also called for an end to what they described as pressure from agencies and insisted that high fuel prices remain a threat to their survival.

The outcome of talks will determine whether flights continue without disruption.