Air Peace blames fuel shortage, weather for Abuja delayed, cancelled flights

By Dickson Omobola

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has said its operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, were disrupted due to the unavailability of Jet A1, also known as aviation fuel.

The clarification came as reports and footage circulated across the media and social media, showing some passengers expressing concerns over the disruptions.

A statement by the airline’s management also said its Abuja–Maiduguri service could not operate as planned due to Visual Flight Rules, VFR, conditions.

The statement reads: “Air Peace wishes to provide an update regarding the flight disruptions experienced at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following reports and footage circulating across the media and social media showing some of our esteemed passengers expressing their concerns over the disruptions.

“The initial delays to our Abuja operations were occasioned by the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which affected Air Peace and other airlines operating from the airport. Upon the availability of fuel, our affected flights commenced operations accordingly.

“However, our Abuja–Maiduguri service could not subsequently operate as planned. Although an extension had initially been granted for the flight, by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding, prevailing VFR conditions meant that the extension was no longer tenable, as the flight could not operate beyond sunset.

“Throughout the disruption, passengers were duly informed of the delays and provided with refreshments. Following the cancellation, affected passengers were also provided with hotel accommodation, with arrangements made to operate the flight the following day.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and appreciate their patience and understanding. At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain paramount, and we will continue to prioritise these considerations in all our operations.”

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