Nigerian airlines will cease operations on May 9 till further notice due to rising aviation fuel costs, according to Nigerian media on Saturday, citing a joint statement from the airlines.
"The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) regretfully informs the general public that member airlines will cease operations nationally with effect from Monday, May 9, 2022 until further notice," according to a statement obtained by the Vanguard newspaper. Despite the government's efforts, aviation fuel prices continue to rise, jeopardising "the sustainability of operations and financial viability of the airlines," as per the statement.
"The price of aviation fuel (JetA1) has climbed over time, from N190 [naira, USD 0.41] per litre to N700 [naira, USD 1.69]. No airline in the world can withstand such a massive price increase in such a short period of time. While aviation fuel is said to account for about 40% of an airline's operational costs worldwide, the current increase has caused Nigeria's operating costs to rise ""However, 95%," the statement stated.
It was advised that travellers change their trip plans to avoid getting strangled in Nigerian airports.
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