Airline operators halt planned nationwide shutdown

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced the suspension of its earlier decision to shut down flight operations across the country beginning from Monday, May 9.

Recall that the AON had in a statement vowed to shut down operations following the high cost of Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel.

The Federal Government had also waded in to appeal that they reconsider their decision as such action would be detrimental to the nation’s economy, as some airlines including Dana, Arik, Aero, and Ibom Air among others announced their non-involvement in the action.

In a statement on Sunday, AON President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, announced that airlines would continue operations following the group’s deliberation with the Federal Government on how to tackle the fuel issue.

The statement reads, “We have reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.”

“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022, is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”