Airline operators warn passengers of imminent flight delays over aviation fuel scarcity

Nigerian airlines, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), say there will be major disruptions of flights due to persistent scarcity of aviation fuel, also known as jet-A1. 

Obiora Okonkwo, spokesperson, AON, said this in a statement on Tuesday.

This would be the third time aviation fuel scarcity would be linked to disruptions in the sector in 2022.

In May and July, AON had warned passengers of disruptions in flight operations due to scarcity of fuel, leading to “flight rescheduling, and, or, cancellations”.

The development also led to a hike in domestic flight tickets.

Speaking in the statement on Tuesday, Okonkwo disclosed that scarcity of jet fuel returned in the past few days.

He also said passengers should expect flight reschedules and cancellations.

“We wish to inform the general public of impending disruptions in scheduled flight operations due to the scarcity of aviation fuel, otherwise known as jet-A1, which reared its ugly head again in the last few days,” he said.

The scarcity, Okonkwo said, would force airlines to reschedule flights, leading to late operations and in extreme circumstances, to cancellations.

He said the unintended development was a pain on airline operators and a stain on the industry, especially at this time of mass movement of people for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“While we do our utmost best to manage the situation and ensure safe flight operations, we plead the understanding of the travelling public in the circumstance,” Okonkwo added.

“We also call on the concerned authorities including product importers and marketers to do their best to resolve this ugly situation so as to ease the stress it brings on the travelling public.”

However, he said AON is “committed to doing all that is necessary to ensure seamless services and safe air travels in our dear country”.