Domestic carrier Rano Air has announced the temporary suspension of some of its flight operations following the sharp increase in the price of aviation fuel, a development which operators say is placing unimaginable pressure on them.

The airline, in a public announcement issued on Friday, said the rising cost of aviation fuel had made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations on some of its routes, forcing management to scale down services temporarily.

According to the airline, the price of Jet A1 fuel has risen by more than 300 per cent, significantly affecting operational costs and threatening the commercial viability of some routes.

“Rano Air wishes to inform the general public and our valued passengers that, due to the unprecedented escalation in the cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel by over 300 per cent, the operational cost of sustaining some of our routes has become extremely challenging and commercially unsustainable,” the statement read.

The airline explained that the decision to suspend some operations was not taken lightly, noting that the worsening fuel situation had placed enormous strain on the entire aviation industry.

The airline added that “this significant increase in fuel prices has greatly impacted the aviation industry and placed enormous pressure on our flight operations. In view of the current situation, Rano Air has taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend some of our routes temporarily.”

Apologising for the inconvenience, Rano Air assured passengers that arrangements had been made to assist those with existing bookings on the affected routes through refunds, rescheduling, and rerouting options.

The statement further read, “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 airline further disclosed that its customer service personnel had been directed to provide support to affected passengers, while expressing optimism that suspended operations would resume once the fuel situation improves and becomes financially manageable.