Members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have temporarily suspended their planned nationwide shutdown over the reported 300 per cent increase in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices.
The decision followed an appeal by the Federal Government, which urged operators to hold off on suspending flights or raising airfares amid mounting economic pressure on passengers.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting on Friday, AON described the move as “concessionary but conditional,” stressing that the suspension remains temporary.
The group said its next steps would depend on the outcome of a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja.
“The planned shutdown action… is hereby called off, albeit temporarily,” the statement noted.
Airlines had earlier threatened to halt operations in response to the sharp rise in Jet A1 fuel costs, which has significantly increased operating expenses across the sector.
In a letter dated April 16, Keyamo appealed for restraint, warning that fare hikes or flight disruptions could deepen economic hardship, reduce passenger traffic, and weaken confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He emphasised that the administration of Bola Tinubu considers aviation a critical national asset, highlighting ongoing reforms aimed at supporting local operators and improving sector sustainability.
The minister also cautioned that a shutdown could disrupt logistics networks, affect national mobility, and undermine investor confidence.
Meanwhile, safety concerns are growing following multiple bird strike incidents involving United Nigeria Airlines within 48 hours.
The airline confirmed that its Embraer 190 aircraft operating flight UN0561 from Benin City Airport to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport suffered damage after a bird strike during take-off.
The impact affected the aircraft’s nose landing gear door linkage, forcing its withdrawal from service for safety checks.
The incident brings to three the number of aircraft grounded by the airline within two days and seven recorded bird strikes so far in 2026.
United Nigeria Airlines described the trend as “extremely concerning,” urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to strengthen wildlife hazard management across airports.
The rising frequency of bird strikes is fuelling broader concerns about aviation safety standards and airport risk management in Nigeria.
