By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

Rano Air on Friday announced a temporary suspension of some of its routes amid the unprecedented escalation in the cost of Jet Al (aviation fuel).

The airline’s management made the announcement via a post on X on Friday.

The airline noted that the operational cost of sustaining some of its routes had become extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable.

The management said the significant increase in fuel prices had greatly impacted the aviation industry and placed enormous pressure on the airline’s flight operations.

“In view of the current situation, Rano Air has taken a difficult but necessary decision to suspend some of our routes temporarily.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause to our esteemed passengers and business partners.

“Please be assured that this decision was made after a careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable operations.

“Passengers who have already booked flights on the affected routes are advised that Rano Air will assist with all concerns regarding refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting options.

“Our customer service team remains on standby to provide necessary support and ensure that affected passengers are properly guided through the available alternatives,” the management said.

However, the airlines did not state the affected routes.

The airline also promised that operations on the affected routes would resume as soon as the situation improved and become operationally viable for the airline.

“Rano Air remains committed to providing quality service to our passengers, and we appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support during this challenging period,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since February, there has been a significant increase in the price of aviation, recording an enormous 300 per cent increment.

The cost of Aviation fuel, which rose to between N2,037 and N3,300 in April, was sold, roughly, at N900 as of February.

Players in the industry attributed this supply challenge to the crisis in the Middle East.

NAN also reports that some other domestic carriers, like Air Peace, had also cut its daily Abuja to London frequency flights to three times per week. (NAN)