Rano Air has temporarily halted operations on several of its domestic routes, blaming the decision on a sharp spike in the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel.

In a public notice shared by the airline’s management, the carrier said the cost of aviation fuel has risen by more than 300 percent, making it extremely difficult to sustain flights on some routes without running at a loss.

Although the airline did not officially list the affected destinations, a source familiar with the situation said Maiduguri and Gombe are among the routes being considered for suspension. The source added that more than half of the airline’s network could be impacted while management finalises its decision.

Rano Air currently flies to Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi and Osubi.
According to the airline, the surge in fuel prices has placed heavy pressure on its operations, forcing what it described as a “difficult but necessary” move to protect the sustainability of its services.

Passengers who already booked flights on the affected routes have been advised to contact the airline for refunds, rescheduling or alternative travel arrangements. The airline also assured customers that services would resume once operating conditions improve.

The development comes amid growing concern across Nigeria’s aviation sector, where domestic carriers have repeatedly warned that the high cost of Jet A1 is threatening their survival.

While a planned industry-wide shutdown was earlier averted after government intervention, many operators say the relief has not significantly reduced their fuel expenses.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently fixed the price of Jet A1 at ₦2,039 per litre in Abuja, with slightly lower rates in Lagos. However, airlines say they are still purchasing the product at much higher prices, in some cases close to ₦3,000 per litre.

Industry observers link the persistent price pressure to global oil supply disruptions triggered by tensions in the Middle East, which continue to affect fuel availability and pricing.

Rano Air apologised to passengers and business partners for the inconvenience and thanked them for their patience, promising to restore normal operations once the situation becomes commercially viable again.