Ongoing aviation fuel constraints are forcing airlines to adjust schedules and scale back operations, raising fresh concerns over reliability and passenger experience.
Air passengers have expressed frustration over prolonged delays and sudden schedule changes by Nigerian air carrier Air Peace, even as the airline attributes the disruptions to ongoing aviation fuel supply challenges.
“We wish to inform you that flights departing from some of our terminals may experience delays due to the current aviation fuel supply constraints affecting flight operations nationwide,” the airline said in one of the statements.
It added that “fuel availability remains limited,” a development that has disrupted scheduled departures.
The airline also announced a temporary adjustment to its Abuja–London route.
“Due to the current Jet A1 (aviation fuel) supply constraints affecting flight operations nationwide and around the world, we wish to inform you that our Abuja–London service has been temporarily adjusted to three weekly flights until 01 July, 2026,” it said.
Air Peace said the measure was necessary “to maintain the highest standards of safety and operational reliability,” adding that full frequency would resume once conditions improve.
While assuring passengers it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation, the airline acknowledged the impact on travel plans.
“We recognise that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” it said.
However, some passengers say the disruptions have come with significant inconvenience.
A passenger, Francis Eze, described a case involving his two elderly parents stranded due to rescheduling.
“Please what’s the penalty for rescheduling flights and attributing it to the current aviation fuel crisis? I have two elderly parents currently stranded in Owerri, waiting for an @flyairpeace flight that was to depart by 10 a.m. but has been changed to 8:50 p.m.,” he said.
Another passenger on X, identified as Adam (@Bin_DaudNG), also criticised the delays.
“@flyairpeace una no try ooo. From 1:40 to 6 p.m. isn’t fair. Imagine I arrive late, you will say check-in closed,” he wrote.
Responding to the complaints, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, said airlines are obligated to comply with passenger protection regulations during delays.
“The airline needs to comply with the regulations in the case of lengthy delays; inform the passengers, provide light refreshment after two hours, etc. Kindly meet up with NCAA Consumer Protection Officers at the terminal for assistance and more information,” he said.
He reiterated that passengers have rights in such situations.
“In the event of a lengthy delay, passengers are entitled to light refreshment after two hours… They will protect your rights,” he added.
The latest disruptions come amid a broader crisis in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warned it might suspend operations over what it described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise in Jet A1 fuel prices, which surged from about N900 per litre to over N3,300.
Following the warning, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, intervened, urging airlines to shelve plans to increase airfares or halt operations while the government engaged stakeholders to find a solution.
While operators did not immediately shut down services after the intervention, the current wave of delays and schedule adjustments suggests that the underlying fuel supply challenges persist, continuing to strain airline operations and passenger experience across the country.
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