Airlines operators have suspended a planned nationwide shutdown of flight operations over what they described as crippling fuel prices.
The suspension is, as a result of the government appeal to halt the action pending discussion scheduled for Wednesday this week.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had warned it would halt services from Monday, April 20, saying surging jet fuel costs has made operations unsustainable.
AON, in a statement, said it agreed to pause the action following an appeal from Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo,SAN who called for restraint and dialogue.
The suspension was conditional pending the outcome of a meeting for all concerned parties scheduled for April 22, at the instance of the Aviation minister.
Soaring jet fuel prices have upended the global aviation industry as a consequence of the Iran war, forcing airlines to raise fares, curb growth plans, and rethink forecasts.
Nigerian airlines operators of Nigeria says the jet fuel price surge has been exacerbated by supply constraints and foreign exchange pressures, significantly increasing operational costs.
Fuel typically accounts for more than a third of airlines’ expenses in Nigeria.
