Rano Air suspends some flight operations after Jet A1 fuel prices surged by more than 300 per cent

Nigerian domestic carrier Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of some of its flight operations following a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices that the airline says has made several routes commercially unsustainable.

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In a public statement issued on Friday, Rano Air said the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel had placed enormous pressure on its operations and forced management to scale down services on selected routes.

According to the airline, the price of aviation fuel has increased by more than 300 per cent, significantly driving up operational expenses across the sector.

“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 per cent, the operational cost of sustaining some of our routes has become extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable,” the statement read.

The airline explained that the decision was taken after careful consideration and described the current fuel crisis as one of the most difficult challenges facing operators within Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Rano Air added that the worsening cost of aviation fuel had affected not only its business but the wider airline sector, with operators struggling to maintain profitability while sustaining safe and reliable services.

“This significant increase in fuel prices has greatly impacted the aviation industry and placed enormous pressure on our flight operations,” the airline stated.

The carrier apologised to passengers and business partners for the disruption caused by the temporary suspensions and assured customers that support measures had been put in place.

According to the airline, affected passengers will have access to refund, rescheduling and rerouting options for existing bookings on suspended routes.

Rano Air also disclosed that its customer service personnel had been directed to assist travellers and provide the necessary guidance during the disruption period.

The airline expressed optimism that normal operations would resume once the cost of aviation fuel becomes more stable and financially manageable.

The latest development highlights the deepening crisis within Nigeria’s aviation sector, where operators have repeatedly warned that rising fuel prices, foreign exchange challenges and operational costs are threatening the sustainability of domestic air travel.

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Industry stakeholders have consistently called for urgent government intervention to stabilise fuel supply and reduce the mounting pressure on local airlines.