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Nigeria Is First Nation to Ground Flights as Fuel Costs Soar

  • Airlines struggle with shortages, higher price of Jet-A1 fuel
  • Higher ticket prices may discourage passengers from traveling
Passengers wait in line at the departure terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Abuja, Nigeria.

Passengers wait in line at the departure terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Abuja, Nigeria.

Photographer: Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images

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Nigeria will become the first nation to ground flights on Monday as surging prices for aviation fuel make business unprofitable.

Airline operators “will discontinue operations nationwide” until further notice, their union said in a statement. It’s the latest sign of the widespread impact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is having, although one carrier, Ibom Airlines Ltd., opted out of the cessation, citing obligations to customers.