Jet A1 Shortage Disrupts Air Peace, Other Flights In Abuja

Flight operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were disrupted on Saturday following a shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel, affecting Air Peace and other airlines operating from the airport.

Air Peace, in a statement issued by its management, said the initial delays to its Abuja operations were caused by the unavailability of aviation fuel at the airport.

The airline explained that the affected flights could only commence operations after Jet A1 became available.

However, Air Peace said its Abuja-Maiduguri service was unable to operate as scheduled despite the subsequent availability of fuel, citing another operational challenge.

According to the airline, an extension had initially been granted for the flight, but the arrangement became untenable by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding due to prevailing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions.

It said the prevailing conditions meant the aircraft could not operate beyond sunset, forcing the cancellation of the Abuja-Maiduguri flight.

The disruption reportedly sparked frustration among some passengers, with a video showing their reaction to the delays circulating on social media.

Air Peace said it kept affected passengers informed throughout the disruption and provided refreshments while efforts were made to resolve the situation.

Following the cancellation of the Abuja-Maiduguri service, the airline said affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation, while arrangements were made to operate the flight the following day.

The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.

It reaffirmed that the safety and wellbeing of passengers remained its priority, adding that it would continue to place safety considerations at the centre of its operations.