The Airline Operators of Nigeria have announced the suspension of their operations from Monday, May 9, 2022, due to a rise in the cost of jet A1 and other costs.
The airlines – Azman Air, Max Air, United Nigeria Airways, Ibom Air, Arik Air, Air Peace, Dana Air and Overland Airways – made this known in a letter addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika while copying the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Musa Nuhu.
BizWatch Nigeria reports that aviation fuel price (JetA1) has risen from ₦190 per litre to ₦700 and the airlines have revolted, stressing that no airline in the world can absorb the astronomical hike.
The current fuel hike has increased the airlines’ fuel cost component from 40% to 95% in Nigeria and also affected the cost of a seat per head which should be at least ₦120,000.
The operators appealed to passengers for understanding as the situation is currently biting.