The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced the shutdown of operations by Monday citing the skyrocketing cost of aviation fuel which has reached an all-time high of N700 per litre.
The operators sympathised with the passengers, saying the current situation with Jet A1 has shot up the cost of operations to over 95 per cent.
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The operators stated this in a letter by its president, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, which was also copied to the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The statement was also endorsed by the chief executives of all the domestic airlines.
“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,” the statement read in part.
