Relief as Airline operators call off plan to shut down operations

The earlier decision to shut down commercial flight operations in the country with effect from Monday by airline operators has been suspended

The operators it was gathered secured the commitment of some top government functionaries to intervene on the critical issue of the astronomical increase of the price of aviation fuel in the country to N700 per litre.
They disclosed that based on the plea from the top officials they had to suspend the planned action.
The Statement was jointly signed by the President Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina and the various Airlines.

They are Alhaji Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air; Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors, Mr. Sukh Mann – Deputy CEO, Dana Air, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air, and Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf ‘MD, Azman Air -MD, Azman Air.

They said that the decision was also informed by their consideration of their customers who have faced days of uncertainties over their travel plans,

The statement reads, “The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1.
The statement explained further that the operators has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being to allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

“We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.

“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government. “