Airline operators threatens to go on strike in the next 72 hours over high cost of aviation fuel
Barring any last-minute change, airline operators across the country may shut down operations in the next three days over the high cost of aviation fuel.
They argued that should the Federal Government refuse to intervene in cost of aviation fuel, they would be withdrawing their services in the next 72 hours.
The operators hinted at the possible strike action during their resumed meeting with oil marketers, the regulators, and the House of Representatives leadership today.
Oil marketers, as well as airport officials, said the aviation fuel was sold for different prices across the nation’s airports.
But, speaking today through the Vice President, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Chief Allen Onyeama, the operators said that with the current cost of fuel, they cannot sustain their operations.
Onyeama said, “If they (oil marketers) don’t come down from their high horse, I am sorry to say that we have only three days of operation left.
“We know the importance of aviation to the economy. Currently, the average price per seat is N70, 000. We have not included the cost of insurance to that.
“All the Insurance companies in this country cannot insure one aircraft. So, we have to go outside the country to get insurance for our aircraft.
“We cannot continue to subsidise the industry. If we must continue to operate at this rate, then the average cost per ticket will be around N150, 000 and that will not be good for the economy.”