The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has temporarily suspended its planned nationwide shutdown of flight operations earlier scheduled to begin on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The decision followed an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, urging the airline body to shelve the action and allow room for dialogue.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting, AON’s Executive Council and Board of Trustees said the suspension was a concessionary but conditional move aimed at allowing discussions to address the ongoing challenges facing airlines, particularly the rising cost of jet fuel.
According to the association, the shutdown has been called off pending the outcome of a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the minister and scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The statement noted that the decision came after careful deliberation and consideration of the minister’s letter of appeal, which acknowledged the financial strain airlines are facing due to the sharp and arbitrary increase in the price of JetA1 aviation fuel.
The minister commended airline operators for maintaining services despite difficult conditions and assured them that the Federal Government had taken their concerns seriously, promising immediate steps to address the issues surrounding the jet fuel crisis.
AON further stated that as part of the conditions for suspending the shutdown, it expects government agencies and aviation service providers to continue supporting airline operations, refrain from undue harassment, and stop demanding upfront payments for services.
The association added that it would await the outcome of the April 22 meeting before deciding on any further action, expressing hope that the dialogue would produce a lasting solution beneficial to all stakeholders in the aviation sector.