Fuel Scarcity: Airlines Warn Of Imminent Disruptions To Flights

The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that the flight operations of its members may experience disruptions due to a growing scarcity of aviation fuel (Jet-A1).

A statement signed by AON’s spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the “The scarcity is impacting negatively on seamless conduct of air transport operations and would lead to flight rescheduling, and, or, cancellations.”

However, the operators said they are “working very hard, and in alliance with product marketers, government and relevant stakeholders, to ensure availability and proper pricing of aviation fuel in the country.

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“While pleading the understanding of the flying public in the face of this reality, we also promise to do all that is necessary, and within our powers, to restore normal flight schedules as soon as possible.”

The AON last week had threatened to shutdown operations over the rising cost of Jet-A1.

The shutdown was called off after the Federal Government intervened.

AON members on May 9 met with the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The NNPC at the meeting pledged to make available six million litres of JetA1 to aviation fuel marketers chosen by the AON as part of efforts to temporarily resolve the crisis.

But Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, noted that the price of the product cannot be guaranteed because it is affected by global market forces.