Nigerian airlines have suspended a planned nationwide shutdown of flight operations over rising fuel costs following a government appeal to allow talks, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said in a statement.

The AON, an industry body representing a dozen mainly domestic carriers, had warned it would halt services from Monday, April 20, citing unsustainable jet fuel prices.

The group said it agreed to a "concessionary but conditional" suspension after an appeal from Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, who called for restraint and dialogue.

The suspension will remain in place pending a meeting of all stakeholders scheduled for April 22, convened by the minister, it said.

As part of the agreement, the operators urged government agencies and service providers to maintain operations and stop demanding upfront payments, which they said were worsening financial pressure on carriers.

Soaring jet fuel prices have upended ​the global aviation industry as a consequence of ​the Iran war, ⁠forcing airlines to raise fares, curb growth plans, and rethink forecasts.

Nigerian airlines say the jet fuel price surge has been exacerbated ⁠by ​supply constraints and foreign exchange pressures, ​significantly increasing operating costs.