The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said it has decided to suspend its action following numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1.

The decision by only six members of AON to sign the statement suspending the flight shut down threat that was scheduled to begin from tomorrow Monday, May 9,2022, AbelNews learnt was not only as a result of the appeals by the Federal Government but also because of the obvious cracks in the airline body.

The statement was signed by AON President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina and jointly signed by: the Executive Director, Max Air, Alhaji Shehu Wada,Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, CEO, Arik Air, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, CEO, Aero Contractors Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood,  MD, Azman Air,Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf and Chairman, Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema.

Recalled that before AON suspended the May 9 shut down action airlines such as Ibom Air, Dana Air and Overland Airways   had pull out from the collective agreement reached by the body

The body said it has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being to allow for a fresh round of dialogue with the Federal 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,” AON said.

The domestic airlines umbrella body said that  in view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 has been  suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with the government.