After Ibom, Dana, others pull out, airline operators suspend flight shutdown

Abiola Seun

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have suspended their planned suspension of operation over hike in the price of aviation fuel, also known as, Jet A1.

The suspension came after carriers such as Ibom Air, Dana and Overland Airways withdrew from the flight suspension embarked upon by AON.

In a press statement made available to newsmen, and signed by the President of AON, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina , he said, AON acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being and allowed for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

The statement was signed by Max Air, United Airline, Arik, Aero Contractor, Air peace and Azman Airline.

The statement reads “we 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, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we 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. “