JUST IN: Nigerian Airline Suspends Some Flight Routes Over Rising Aviation Fuel Prices

Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of some of its flight routes due to the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices and rising operational costs within Nigeria’s aviation industry.

In a statement released on Friday, the airline said the cost of Jet A1 fuel has surged by more than 300 per cent, making operations on certain routes extremely difficult and financially unsustainable.

According to the airline, the persistent rise in fuel costs has placed significant pressure on its operations, forcing it to temporarily reduce services on affected routes.

“Rano Air has taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend some of our routes temporarily,” the statement read.

The airline, however, did not disclose the specific routes impacted by the suspension.

Rano Air assured passengers with existing bookings on the affected routes that support would be provided through refunds, rescheduling or rerouting options.

The carrier also expressed optimism that services on the suspended routes would resume once operating conditions improve and become commercially viable again.

The development highlights the growing financial challenges confronting Nigerian airlines as aviation fuel prices continue to rise despite government interventions.

Several domestic carriers, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and Ibom Air, have repeatedly warned that soaring Jet A1 prices are affecting operations and disrupting flight schedules.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria had earlier threatened to suspend operations over what it described as unsustainable fuel price increases, with Jet A1 reportedly rising from about N900 per litre to over N3,300 in some areas.

Although the Federal Government later intervened through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, airlines have continued to face operational difficulties linked to fuel supply shortages and unstable pricing.

Industry experts say aviation fuel remains the largest operating expense for airlines in Nigeria, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of operational costs, far above global averages.

The situation has also created challenges for passengers, many of whom have experienced delays, sudden flight rescheduling and reduced frequencies on domestic routes.

Despite the difficulties, Rano Air said it remains committed to providing safe, reliable and sustainable services while supporting affected passengers during the disruption.