By 
Tayo AFOLABI
Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said it has acceded to requests to withdraw the planned strike for the time being to allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.
AON had planned to ground flight services in every part of the country starting from Monday, 9 May over high cost of jet A1, the fuel used to power planes.
In a statement, AON said it has decided to suspend its plan to ground air services in the country in consideration of the likely economic and security implications.
AON’s decision was announced in a statement jointly signed by AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina and six other members of the association.
The suspension was announced after some of the major players in the industry, including Air Peace, Max Air,Dana Air and Overland announced that they will not participate in the plan to ground flight services in the country.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation had also earlier on Sunday assured Nigerians that members of AON were reconsidering their decision to withdraw their planes starting from Monday in protest over high cost of fuel.
The Ministry also confirmed that Ibom Air, Green Africa Airlines, Arik Air, Dana Air, and others have already indicated that they will continue with their normal flight schedules in spite of the threat by AON.
The statement read:
AON ACCEDES TO CALLS FROM GOVERNMENT, SUSPENDS ACTION IN GOOD FATE
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.
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