Nigeria’s domestic airline, Rano Air is facing fresh operational turbulence with the announcement of a temporary suspension of some of its flight routes following complaints of sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.
In a public statement shared on its official X platform, the airline said the rising operational burden caused by fuel costs had made some routes commercially unsustainable. The development highlights the growing financial strain confronting Nigerian carriers amid persistent economic challenges.
The airline management, rehashed like others before it, that the cost of Jet A1 fuel has risen by more than 300%, severely affecting daily operations and route sustainability.
Rano Air’s Announcement
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 airline explained that the increase in fuel prices has placed “enormous pressure” on flight operations across the aviation industry. Therefore, the carrier said it had taken the “difficult but necessary decision” to suspend selected routes temporarily.
Although Rano Air did not disclose the affected destinations, the airline assured passengers that customer support teams remain available to manage all concerns related to refunds, rescheduling, and rerouting.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause to our esteemed passengers and business partners,” the airline stated. “Please be assured that this decision was made after careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable operations.”
Meanwhile, affected passengers have been advised to contact the airline for guidance regarding available travel alternatives. The carrier also pledged to resume operations on the suspended routes once conditions improve and become operationally viable again.
The management further stated: “Operations on the affected routes will resume as soon as the situation improves and becomes operationally viable for the airline.”
Recall that 10 days ago, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had recommended aviation fuel prices as high as ₦2,037 per litre in Abuja. The regulator also set a Lagos band between ₦1,760 and ₦1,988 per litre. This intervention was aimed at stabilising supply and pricing amid persistent volatility in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Another key recommendation from NMDPRA was the inclusion of aviation turbine kerosene under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude initiative. This policy enables transactions in naira rather than foreign exchange. Consequently, it is expected to ease forex pressure and support long-term price stability.
The latest development again underscores the critical role aviation fuel plays in airline profitability and operational continuity. In recent years, Nigerian airlines have repeatedly raised concerns over fluctuating Jet A1 prices, foreign exchange volatility, and increasing maintenance expenses.
Industry stakeholders have consistently warned that rising fuel costs could trigger higher ticket fares, reduced frequencies, and route cuts if urgent interventions are not introduced. However, airlines continue to battle rising overhead costs while attempting to maintain safe and reliable operations.
In addition, analysts believe the routes suspension by Rano Air may further impact domestic connectivity, especially during a period of increasing passenger demand across Nigeria’s aviation network.
The airline nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to customer service despite the operational difficulties.
“Rano Air remains committed to providing quality service to our passengers, and we appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support during this challenging period,” the statement added.
Nigeria’s airlines have continued to grapple with operational pressures linked to fuel pricing and infrastructure limitations. Several operators have repeatedly called for policy support to stabilise the industry and reduce operational costs. The airlines had even planned to suspend operations but for the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who called a tripartite meeting with airlines, energy marketers and the Ministry of Petroleum. Despite this, the situation may not have abated for Rano Air.
