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Domestic airline operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have halted their planned nationwide shutdown, choosing instead to pursue dialogue following government intervention.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the association’s leadership on Friday, where members considered an appeal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, urging restraint and engagement with stakeholders.
AON had earlier reveald plans to suspend operations from Monday, April 20, over the steep rise in the cost of Jet A1 fuel, which they say has jumped from about N900 to more than N3,000 per litre, placing significant strain on their operations.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, AON said it would temporarily shelve the action to allow for discussions.
“The planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off, albeit temporarily, pending the outcome of the meeting called by the Honourable Minister,” the association stated.
The group said the decision was taken in good faith to create room for negotiations, with a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22.
However, the operators warned that the suspension hinges on improved conditions within the industry. They raised concerns about what they described as mounting operational challenges, including pressure from service providers demanding upfront payments.
“We further request that these agencies halt the practice of demanding upfront payment for services rendered, as this continues to compound the financial burden on operators,” AON said.
The association also urged authorities to ensure that airlines are not subjected to disruptions or undue pressure while talks are ongoing.
While acknowledging the minister’s intervention, AON maintained that its next move will depend on the outcome of the negotiations.
