In another blow to Nigeria's aviation sector, Azman Air, one of Nigeria's domestic airlines, has suspended its operations indefinitely.

The airline's decision to suspend operation follows a series of disruptions in recent weeks.

According to an internal memo, the airline has sent its staff on leave without pay.

This is not the first time Azman Air has made such a decision.

Daily Trust reported that in August 2023, the airline suspended its operations indefinitely, citing an aircraft shortage and placing its staff on unpaid leave.

The same reason led the airline to decide to cease operations in 2024.

Here is a breakdown of the airline operation changes

2010: Azman Air, founded by Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina

2021: The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended Azman Air's operations to conduct an audit due to challenges in the aviation sector and the airline's weak cash flow.

September 2022: Azman Air resumed operations on a limited number of domestic routes.

Early 2023: The airline suspended operations after its aircraft were stranded in maintenance facilities abroad.

Challenges of the aviation industry

Azman Air's decision to halt operations could increase the cost of travel for Nigerians, who are already facing high fares.

A recent report revealed that it costs about N250,000 to fly between Lagos and Abuja.

With the number of airlines shrinking and higher demand for air travel amid security challenges in the country, a change in airfares is expected.

Aside from Azman Air, Dana Air is another domestic airline that has remained grounded.

The major challenges for airlines include FX supply and naira depreciation, operational costs, and other factors.

Maintaining aircraft is expensive, and overseas repairs have become nearly impossible with the naira's depreciation.

BusinessDay reports that non-routine aircraft maintenance can cost as much as $1 million, noting that these costs are for manpower rates, not spare parts.