Nigerian carrier Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of several flight routes, attributing the decision to a sharp increase in the cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel and rising operational expenses in the country's aviation sector.
In a statement released on Friday, May 8, the airline revealed that the price of Jet A1 fuel has surged by more than 300%, making it commercially unviable to continue operating certain routes. The company described the move as a difficult but necessary step to ensure safe and sustainable operations.
Rano Air Suspends Operations
The airline explained that the unprecedented escalation in fuel costs has placed enormous pressure on its flight operations, forcing it to temporarily suspend some services. The statement read: "Rano Air wishes to inform the general public and our valued passengers that, due to the unprecedented escalation in the cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel by over 300%, the operational cost of sustaining some of our routes has become extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable."
The carrier emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable operations. It apologized for any inconvenience caused to passengers and business partners.
Passengers Offered Refunds and Alternatives
Passengers who had booked flights on the affected routes were advised to contact the airline for refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting options. Rano Air assured that its customer service team is ready to assist affected customers and guide them through the available alternatives.
The statement added: "Passengers who have already booked flights on the affected routes are advised that Rano Air will assist with all concerns regarding refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting options. Our customer service team remains on standby to provide the necessary support and ensure that affected passengers are properly guided through the available alternatives."
Operations on the suspended routes are expected to resume once the situation improves and becomes operationally viable.
Jet A1 Fuel Cost Crisis
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently reported that the indicative gantry price for Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) released by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is aimed at ensuring market stability and improving compliance among oil marketers. The refinery fixed its gantry price for ATK at N1,820 per litre.
NMDPRA also issued a directive setting a price cap for end-users, ranging between N1,760 and N1,988 per litre in Lagos, and N1,809 to N2,037 per litre in Abuja. The high cost of fuel continues to strain Nigerian airlines, with many struggling to maintain profitability.
New Airline to Begin Operations
In related news, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air, a state-owned carrier, allowing it to commence scheduled commercial flight operations in Nigeria. The certificate was presented by NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo at the authority's headquarters in Abuja. The AOC authorizes Enugu Air to conduct commercial air transport after meeting stringent safety, operational, and technical requirements.
