The domestic airlines in Nigeria (Air Peace, Arik Air, Dana Air, Aero Contractors, Max Air, Green Africa, Overland Airways, United Nigeria Airlines, Air Azman and Ibom Air) under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have announced the suspension of flights operations in Nigeria starting from Monday, May 9, 2022.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika by the airlines’ operators President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina states that the airlines are shutting down flight operations due to the increase in aviation fuel (JetA1) and other operating costs.
According to the operators, the cost of aviation fuel price (JetA1) has risen from N190 per litre to N700 within a short period. The airlines do not want to pass the cost to the passenger by increasing the cost of a flight ticket since the cost is already high.
The letter read: “It is with a great sense of responsibility and patriotism that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have carried on deploying and subsidizing their services to our highly esteemed Nigerian flying public in the last four months despite the steady and astronomical hike in the price of JetA1 and other operating costs.
“Over time, aviation fuel price (JetA1) has risen from N190 per litre to N700 currently. No airline in the world can absorb this kind of sudden shock from such an astronomical rise over a short period.
“While aviation fuel worldwide is said to cost about 40% of an airline’s operating cost globally, the present hike has shut up Nigeria’s operating cost to about 95%.
“In the face of this, airlines have engaged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, NNPC and Oil Marketers with the view to bringing the cost of JetA1 down which has currently made the unit cost per seat for a one hour flight in Nigeria today to an average of N120,000.
“The latter cannot be fully passed to passengers who are already experiencing a lot of difficulties.
“While AON appreciates the efforts of the current government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure air transport in Nigeria grows, unfortunately, the cost of aviation fuel has continued to rise unabated thereby creating huge pressure on the sustainability of operations and financial viability of the airlines. This is unsustainable and the airlines can no longer absorb the pressure.
“To this end, therefore, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) hereby wishes to regrettably inform the general public that member airlines will discontinue operations nationwide with effect from Monday, May 9, 2022, until further notice.
“AON uses this medium to humbly state that we regret any inconveniences this very difficult decision might cause and appeal to travellers to kindly reconsider their travel itinerary and make alternative arrangements.”
