Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of some flight routes following what it described as an unprecedented rise of more than 300 per cent in the cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel.

The airline disclosed this in a notice posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account and signed by management, stating that the sharp increase in fuel prices has made operations on certain routes “extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable.”

Although the airline did not officially list the affected destinations, a source familiar with the development told Daily Trust that Maiduguri and Gombe are among the routes being considered for suspension.

The source, who spoke anonymously because management had yet to make a final decision, said more than half of the airline’s routes could be temporarily affected.

“Definitely more than 50 per cent of the routes might be suspended temporarily, but the management will soon come out with a final statement on the routes,” the source said.

Rano Air currently operates flights to Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, and Osubi.

In its statement, the airline said soaring fuel prices have placed enormous pressure on operations, forcing it to take the “difficult but necessary decision” to suspend some services.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause to our esteemed passengers and business partners. Please be assured that this decision was made after careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable operations,” the statement read.

The airline assured passengers with existing bookings on affected routes that arrangements would be made for refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting, while advising customers to contact its customer service channels for assistance.

Rano Air also pledged to resume operations on the suspended routes once conditions improve and flights become commercially viable again.

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

Domestic airlines in Nigeria have repeatedly raised concerns over rising aviation fuel costs, warning that the situation threatens the sustainability of flight operations.

Although an earlier planned industry shutdown was averted following government intervention, operators say the crisis persists, with Jet A1 reportedly still selling for nearly N3,000 per litre in some locations.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently pegged the price of Jet A1 at N2,039 per litre in Abuja, with slightly lower rates in Lagos. However, industry operators maintain that normalcy has yet to return amid global oil supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.