Nigeria: Several airlines announce plans to suspend operations effective May 9

Event

The umbrella organization Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), which encompasses nine of the nation's largest air carriers, has announced that its member companies will suspend all operations until further notice starting May 9 due to the rising cost of aviation fuel. 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.

It remains unclear whether the planned action can be averted; the AON had announced a similar move in mid-March but reversed its decision after entering into talks with the government and petroleum industry operators. Given that such a suspension would leave travelers in Nigeria with extremely limited options for domestic air travel, the government will likely enter into talks once more in an attempt to avert the action. Some or all of the airlines involved may also back down from their threatened suspension prior to or shortly after May 9.

Advice

Contact airlines to reconfirm flights; book alternate travel arrangements as soon as possible. Monitor local media for updates on the planned flight operations suspensions.