Nigerian Airlines Pause Shutdown Amid Government Talks

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) announced a temporary halt to their planned nationwide shutdown, which was set for Monday, April 20, 2026, due to a significant rise in the cost of Jet A1 fuel, which increased from N900 to N3,000 per liter. This decision followed an emergency meeting on Friday, where members considered an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who urged restraint and dialogue with stakeholders.

AON issued a communiqué stating that the action was shelved to allow discussions on the shutdown plan. However, they warned that the suspension is contingent on improvements within the industry, citing ongoing operational challenges, including pressure to provide services and demands for upfront payments.

AON has called on the government to ensure that airlines are not subjected to undue pressure during these negotiations, acknowledging the Minister's intervention while emphasizing that their next steps will depend on the outcomes of the discussions scheduled for Wednesday, April 22.