ABUJA - Nigerian airlines will suspend operations from Monday, May 9 until further notice due to the high cost of jet fuel (avtur), the association of Nigerian Airline Operators (AON) said on Friday.
Domestic flights have been disrupted since March as some airlines began canceling internal schedules while others suspended operations, citing aviation fuel shortages.
Global aviation fuel prices have soared after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked a spike in the crude oil market, hitting airlines and passengers with steep cost hikes.
"Avtur prices have increased to 700 naira (Rp 24.44 thousand) per liter in Nigeria from 190 naira (Rp. 6.63 thousand) in a short period of time," AON said in a statement.
AON also said that flight costs had more than doubled to 120,000 naira (Rp 4.19 million) per hour, making it impossible to continue flights. Airline passengers in Nigeria paid fares in naira, which had weakened sharply due to the devaluation.
But fuel suppliers are paid in dollars, a rare currency in Africa's top economy.
The association said the continued increase in avtur prices had created operational pressures that weakened their financial capacity.
"Therefore, Nigerian Airline Operator (AON) ... informs the general public that AON member airlines will cease operations nationwide from Monday 9 May 2022 until further notice," it said.
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