Nigerian airlines have temporarily called off a planned nationwide shutdown over soaring jet fuel costs, following a government appeal for dialogue aimed at averting disruption to air travel.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), which represents mainly domestic carriers, said it agreed to suspend the action after intervention by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
Airlines had warned they would halt operations from Monday, citing unsustainable operating conditions driven by a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting, AON said it had reached a “concessionary but conditional decision” to pause the shutdown pending the outcome of talks scheduled for April 22.
The meeting, convened by the government, is expected to bring together airlines, regulators and fuel suppliers to address the cost pressures threatening the viability of the sector.
As part of the temporary reprieve, the airlines urged service providers and government agencies to maintain operations and suspend demands for upfront payments, which they say are exacerbating liquidity challenges.
Fuel costs strain operations
Nigeria’s aviation sector has been under increasing pressure from high jet fuel prices, which operators say have been worsened by supply constraints and persistent foreign exchange shortages.
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Fuel typically accounts for more than a third of airline operating costs in Nigeria, making price spikes particularly difficult to absorb.
The situation has been compounded by broader global energy market volatility, with geopolitical tensions contributing to elevated oil prices and tighter supply conditions.
Airlines say these factors have forced them to raise ticket prices, scale back expansion plans and reconsider route networks in order to remain financially viable.
Risk of disruption
The threatened shutdown had raised concerns about widespread travel disruption in Africa’s largest economy, where air transport plays a critical role in connecting major cities and supporting business activity.
AON had warned that continued operations under current cost conditions could push some carriers to the brink, underscoring the fragile state of the domestic aviation industry.
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While the temporary suspension provides short-term relief for passengers, industry players caution that a lasting solution will require structural measures to address fuel pricing and supply challenges.
Government seeks compromise
The intervention by the aviation ministry signals the government’s recognition of the sector’s importance and the potential economic fallout of a prolonged disruption.
Officials are expected to use the upcoming talks to explore options for stabilising fuel supply, easing payment terms and supporting airlines facing cost pressures.
However, analysts note that resolving the issue may prove complex, given the interplay between global oil markets, domestic supply chains and currency constraints.
Nigeria relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products, leaving it exposed to international price movements and foreign exchange volatility.
Outlook uncertain
The outcome of Wednesday’s meeting will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, as airlines weigh whether to resume their shutdown threat if no concrete measures are agreed.
For now, the pause offers a window for negotiations, but the underlying challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector remain unresolved.
Without meaningful intervention, analysts warn, rising fuel costs could continue to erode profitability and limit growth in a sector already operating on thin margins.
