Passengers and other stakeholders that would have been affected by the planned strike action can now heave a sigh of relief as airline operators in Nigeria have suspended their planned withdrawal of services.
The suspension was announced on Sunday in a statement by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Abdulmunaf Sarina who is the Managing Director of Azman air.
The association revealed that they suspended their planned strike after the government promised to intervene as well as their own consideration of the impact on the general populace as well as the economy.
The statement said further engagement will be carried on with the government.
The statement was also signed by five other members of the association – Shehu Wada – Executive Director of Max Air; Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Roy Ilegbodu – Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air; Abdullahi Mahmood – Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors; and Allen Onyema – Chairman of Air Peace.
It will be recalled as earlier reported by Naija News that the airline operators had threatened to suspend flights beginning from Monday, 9th May over the unbearable cost of aviation fuel and its negative impact on their operations.
But following positive discussions with the federal government, the operators have suspended their planned strike action.
The statement reads: “The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.”
“We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.”
“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022, is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”
