Rano Air is hitting pause on some routes due to skyrocketing fuel costs. The airline announced the temporary suspension after jet fuel prices jumped over 300 per cent.
Management posted the notice on X on Thursday. They said operating certain routes has become "extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable."
A source close to the airline told our correspondent which routes face the axe. Maiduguri and Gombe are among those likely to be suspended.
Rano Air currently flies to nine destinations across Nigeria. These include Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi and Osubi.
According to the insider, more than half the network could go offline temporarily. Management hasn't released a final list of affected routes just yet.
In its statement, the airline called this a "difficult but necessary decision." It came after careful review to keep operations safe and sustainable.
Jet fuel prices have crippled Nigeria's aviation sector for months. Airlines say they can't survive on current routes without raising ticket prices drastically.
Rano Air expressed deep regret to passengers and business partners. He noted that the move wasn't taken lightly.
Customers who already booked tickets on suspended routes won't lose money. The airline will process refunds, reschedule flights, or reroute passengers at no extra charge.
Affected passengers should contact customer service immediately. Rano Air provided dedicated email and telephone lines for assistance.
The airline pledged to restore service once conditions improve. It didn't specify a timeline for when routes might reopen.
In its statement, management told the public about the fuel crisis impact. According to them, high aviation fuel costs have put enormous pressure on the entire sector.
Rano Air thanked passengers for their patience during this period. The carrier also asked for continued support as it navigates the crisis.
Nigeria's aviation industry faces severe headwinds from fuel scarcity and currency depreciation. Smaller carriers like Rano Air have been hit particularly hard.
Industry analysts warned that more suspensions could follow if fuel prices don't stabilize. Several other airlines have also adjusted their networks in recent months.
The fuel crisis has disrupted travel plans for thousands of Nigerians. Business travellers and tourists have complained about limited flight options and higher fares.
Rano Air joins a growing list of carriers cutting routes. Airlines say they're simply responding to an impossible operating environment.
Fuel represents the biggest cost for Nigerian carriers. With prices quadrupled, many routes no longer make financial sense.
Passengers expecting to fly to the affected destinations should prepare for disruptions. Airlines are struggling to balance service and sustainability.
