Sawt Falasteen - Nigerian airlines avert shutdown as Iran war hikes fuel prices

It is the second time a strike has been averted in as many weeks, with government talks with airlines having already resulted in a promise to grant carriers debt relief.

Global crude oil prices have been hiked since the United States and Israel's attacks on Iran prompted Tehran to shut the Strait of Hormuz - soaring above $126 per barrel on Thursday, the highest level since 2022.

Already, some carriers in Europe have reduced flights over increased costs and warnings of low supply.

Nigeria has not been spared from high prices, even as the country's massive Dangote refinery has increased production of jet fuel, according to Kpler data reviewed by AFP.

Despite threats by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) that flights would halt Thursday, domestic carriers Air Peace, Max Air and Rano Air were all operating, according to flight tracking data consulted by AFP.

The AON did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Air travel has become especially important in Nigeria as the country grapples with armed groups and kidnappings, which have pushed those who can afford it to stay off the road for long-distance travel.

O.Mousa--SF-PST