Keyamo Intervenes as Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Fuel Hike

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to domestic airlines to reconsider their planned suspension of flight operations over the rising cost of aviation fuel, popularly known as Jet A1.

The appeal comes amid growing tension in the aviation sector following a warning by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) that its members may halt operations nationwide.

The airline body had, on April 14, raised concerns over the persistent increase in the price of Jet A1, noting that the situation could force all domestic carriers to suspend flights from April 20 if urgent intervention is not provided.

Reacting to the development, Keyamo called for calm and urged operators to shelve the planned action, stressing the need for dialogue and collaboration to address the crisis without disrupting air travel across the country.

The minister acknowledged the pressure on operators but maintained that grounding flights would have wider implications for the economy, passengers, and the aviation industry at large.

Industry stakeholders warn that the continued spike in aviation fuel prices remains a major threat to airline sustainability in Nigeria, where operators already grapple with high operating costs and foreign exchange challenges.

Passengers, on the other hand, are bracing for possible disruptions, as any shutdown of domestic flights could significantly affect business activities and travel plans nationwide.

For now, all eyes remain on ongoing engagements between the federal government and airline operators, as efforts intensify to avert a looming shutdown in the sector.