Airlines suspend strike amid FG intervention

Nigerian Domestic carriers have paused a scheduled nationwide suspension of flight operations following a direct appeal from the Federal Government.

The decision to halt services was originally prompted by what operators described as crippling increases in the cost of aviation fuel.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had previously issued a warning that all services would cease on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The group maintained that the astronomical rise in jet fuel prices had rendered the continued operation of flights financially unsustainable.

In an updated statement, the AON confirmed it has agreed to a temporary reprieve following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The Minister reportedly called for restraint and invited the operators to a formal dialogue to address their grievances.

This suspension remains conditional, pending the results of a high-level meeting involving all stakeholders. The session, convened by the Aviation Minister, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 22.

The global aviation sector has been severely impacted by rising fuel costs, a situation worsened by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. These international tensions have forced airlines worldwide to adjust fare structures, scale back expansion initiatives, and revise financial projections.

In the Nigerian context, the AON noted that the price spike has been further aggravated by domestic supply bottlenecks and persistent foreign exchange volatility.

These factors have driven operational costs to record highs, as fuel typically represents more than one-third of the total expenditure for airlines operating in Nigeria.