High Aviation Fuel Prices Force Rano Air To Cut Routes

Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of some of its flight routes, citing the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices and escalating operational costs within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

In a statement issued on Friday, the airline said the over 300 per cent increase in the cost of Jet A1 fuel has made operating certain routes “extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable.”

The carrier noted that the development has placed “enormous pressure” on its operations, forcing it to scale back services on affected routes.

“Rano Air has taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend some of our routes temporarily,” the airline said, although it did not immediately disclose the specific routes impacted.

According to the airline, passengers with existing bookings on the affected routes will receive support, including options for refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting.

It also assured customers that operations would resume once conditions improve and become “operationally viable.”

The development adds to growing concerns about the financial strain on Nigerian airlines, as aviation fuel prices continue to surge despite recent government interventions.

Industry operators, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and Ibom Air, have repeatedly warned that rising fuel costs are putting severe pressure on their businesses and affecting service reliability.

Earlier, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) , had threatened to suspend operations over what it described as “astronomical and unsustainable” increases in fuel prices, which rose from about ₦900 per litre to over ₦3,300 in some locations.

Although the federal government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, intervened, operators continue to report operational challenges linked to fuel supply constraints and price volatility.

Industry analysts say fuel accounts for up to 40 per cent of airline operating costs in Nigeria—significantly higher than global averages—contributing to delays, cancellations, and reduced flight frequencies across domestic routes.

Despite the disruption, Rano Air reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining “safe, reliable and sustainable operations” while supporting affected passengers.