Nigeria’s Airline Operators Suspend Strike

Airline operators in Africa’s largest economy Nigeria have suspended plans to embark on strike starting Monday, 9 May 2022 over the high cost of aviation fuel that is eroding their profitability.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) “acceded to requests to withdraw the action” until the union could hold a fresh round of talks with the government, the association disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday.

“We have also reached the decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days,” it said.

Local airlines have struggled to sustain operations and stay afloat since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted global commodity prices and bolstered energy prices to a record-high.

According to the carriers, jet fuel has more than tripled to N700 or $1.68 per litre in the last four months, weighing on their profitability.

The AON statement reads: ‘ “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 faith  pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”

The statement was signed by President, Dr Abdulmunaf Yunusa – Sarina; Executive Director, Max Air, Alhaji Shehu Wada;   Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo   Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air; Capt. Roy Ilegbodu;  Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood;   Managing Director,  Azman Air, Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf and   Chairman, Air Peace, Chief. Allen Onyema.