Advises travellers to make alternative arrangements
Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) have announced plans to shut down operations from Monday.
In a statement jointly signed by the president of the association Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, executive director of Max Air Shehu Wada, and deputy CEO of Dana Air, among other air operators; the group stated that Nigeria’s local airlines have been flying in the last four months despite the astronomical hike of aviation fuel price (JetA1) and other operating costs.
Aviation fuel worldwide is said to cost about 40% of airlines operating costs. But over time, the aviation fuel price has risen from N190/litre to N700/litre. This has shut up Nigeria’s operating cost to about 95%.
If the airlines are left to run, the unit cost per seat for a one-hour flight will be charged at an average of N120,000.
To protect the passenger and airlines from absorbing this pressure, airline operators will close nationwide with effect from Monday, May 9, 2022.
How would this affect local shipping?
About 45% to 50% of air cargo is shipped on passenger aircraft. A strike from the airlines association would affect the air shipping of local cargo.
Even if your freight forwarder finds another air carrier for your cargo, the cost incurred would be high.
Contact your forwarding agent to discuss other options. If you need help, contact us.
