Rano Air Suspends Flight Routes Amid 300% Surge in Aviation Fuel Costs

Rano Air has halted some of its flight operations temporarily, blaming a staggering surge of over 300 percent in the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel for the decision.

The airline disclosed this in a statement shared on its official 𝕏 handle on Friday and signed by the management.

According to the airline, the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices has made operations on some routes “extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable.”

Although the airline did not immediately specify the affected destinations, a source familiar with the development disclosed that Maiduguri and Gombe routes could be among those to be suspended temporarily.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the management had yet to conclude discussions on the affected routes, said more than half of the airline’s routes could be impacted by the decision.

“Definitely more than 50 per cent of the routes might be suspended temporarily but the management will soon come out with a final statement on the routes,” the source said.

Rano Air currently operates flights across Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi and Osubi.

In the statement, the airline explained that the increase in Jet A1 prices had placed enormous pressure on flight operations, forcing it to take what it described as a “difficult but necessary decision.”

“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 statement read.

“This significant increase in fuel prices has greatly impacted the aviation industry and placed enormous pressure on our flight operations. In view of the current situation, Rano Air has taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend some of our routes temporarily.”

The airline apologised to passengers and business partners over the inconvenience the suspension may cause, assuring customers that support arrangements had been put in place.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause to our esteemed passengers and business partners. Please be assured that this decision was made after careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable operations,” the airline added.

Rano Air said passengers who had already booked flights on the affected routes would receive assistance regarding refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting options.

The airline also advised customers to contact its customer service channels for further assistance.

The airline assured passengers that services on the affected routes would resume once operational conditions became favourable again.

“Operations on the affected routes will resume as soon as the situation improves and becomes operationally viable for the airline,” the statement noted.

Rano Air also appreciated its customers for their patience and continued support during the difficult period.

“Rano Air remains committed to providing quality service to our passengers, and we appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support during this challenging period,” it added.

The development comes amid growing concerns within Nigeria’s aviation industry over the rising cost of aviation fuel.

Domestic airlines have repeatedly warned that the soaring price of Jet A1 threatens the sustainability of flight operations across the country.

Earlier concerns by airline operators over possible shutdowns were temporarily eased after the intervention of the Federal Government. However, operators insist that the situation has not significantly improved.

Some airlines reportedly still purchase aviation fuel at close to ₦3,000 per litre despite efforts by the Federal Government to stabilise prices.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had recently pegged the price of Jet A1 at ₦2,039 per litre in Abuja, with slightly lower rates in Lagos.

Industry stakeholders, however, say global oil supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis continue to affect fuel pricing and airline operations across the country.