The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced the temporary suspension of its planned nationwide flight shutdown, offering relief to passengers and stakeholders across the aviation sector.

The decision followed the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who stepped in to facilitate dialogue between airline operators and relevant authorities. The strike action, initially scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, was expected to disrupt domestic air travel significantly.

In a communiqué released after an emergency meeting of its Executive Council and Board of Trustees on Friday evening, AON confirmed that the suspension is conditional and intended to create space for constructive engagement.

“The planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off, albeit temporarily, pending the outcome of the meeting called by the Honourable Minister,” the association stated.

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Central to the dispute is the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, which AON described as “astronomical” and unsustainable for airline operations. The association noted that the upcoming meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, will serve as a platform for stakeholders to seek a lasting and mutually beneficial resolution.

AON emphasized that its willingness to suspend the industrial action depends on certain conditions being met. It called on the minister to ensure that government agencies and service providers continue to support airline operations without intimidation or disruption.

The association also raised concerns over what it described as increasing pressure from service providers demanding upfront payments. According to AON, such practices are worsening the financial strain on operators already grappling with high operational costs.

“We further request that these agencies halt the practice of demanding upfront payment for services rendered, as this continues to compound the financial burden on operators,” the statement added.

Despite agreeing to pause the shutdown, AON made it clear that the suspension is not permanent. The association stressed that its next course of action will depend on the outcome of the scheduled meeting and the government’s response to its demands.

Industry observers note that the development underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s aviation sector, where rising fuel costs and operational challenges continue to threaten stability. The intervention by the federal government is seen as a critical step toward preventing disruption and restoring confidence.

As stakeholders prepare for the decisive meeting, attention will focus on whether meaningful solutions can be reached to address the fuel pricing crisis and ensure the sustainability of airline operations in the country.