Nigeria: Airlines further warn over impending flight disruptions due to fuel crisis May 16 /update 2

Event

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), which encompasses nine of the nation's largest air carriers, has further warned May 16 over impending flight disruptions, including delays and cancelations, due to the rising cost of aviation fuel. The AON had previously called off a plan to suspend all domestic operations from May 9 after entering into talks with the government.

The extent of the potential disruptions remains unclear. An unspecified number of flights were delayed or canceled over the May 14-15 weekend, including at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN). The government will likely attempt to avert further flight disruptions. Widespread flight disruptions would leave travelers in Nigeria with extremely limited options for domestic travel. Alternative modes of transportation, such as trains and road travel, present additional security challenges compared to air travel.

Context

The members of AON are Aero Contractors (N2), Air Peace (P4), Arik Air (W3), Azman Air, Dana Airlines (9J), Ibom Air (QI), MaxAir (VM), Overland Airways (OF), and United Nigeria Airlines (U5).

Advice

Monitor local media for updates. Contact airlines to reconfirm flights; book alternate travel arrangements as soon as possible. Confirm the status of routes before road travel and avoid travel at night

Resources

Aero Contractors
Air Peace
Arik Air
Azman Air
Dana Airlines
Ibom Air
MaxAir
Overland Airways
United Nigeria Airlines