Jet A1 Shortage – Air Peace Clarifies Abuja Flight Disruptions, Assures Passengers of Safety

• Air Peace has clarified the flight disruptions experienced at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, attributing the initial delays to the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which it said affected its operations as well as those of other airlines at the airport.

• The airline said its affected flights resumed operations after aviation fuel became available, but its Abuja-Maiduguri service was subsequently unable to operate as planned because prevailing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions meant the approved extension could no longer be sustained beyond sunset.

• Air Peace said passengers were kept informed throughout the disruption and provided with refreshments, while those affected by the eventual cancellation of the Abuja-Maiduguri flight were offered hotel accommodation pending the rescheduled operation the following day.

• The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption, assuring passengers that their safety and wellbeing remained paramount and that operational decisions would continue to be guided by safety considerations.

September 27, () – Air Peace has clarified the circumstances surrounding the flight disruptions experienced at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following reports and videos circulating on social media showing passengers expressing concerns over delays.

The airline attributed the initial delays to the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel at the airport, saying the situation affected Air Peace and other airlines operating from the facility.

In a statement issued by its management, Air Peace said its affected flights commenced operations after aviation fuel became available.

However, the airline said its Abuja-Maiduguri service could not subsequently operate as scheduled due to prevailing flight conditions.

According to Air Peace, an extension had initially been granted for the flight, but by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding, prevailing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions meant the extension was no longer tenable because the flight could not operate beyond sunset.

Passengers Provided Accommodation

The airline said it maintained communication with passengers throughout the disruption and provided refreshments while efforts were made to resolve the situation.

Following the cancellation of the Abuja-Maiduguri service, Air Peace said affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation. It added that arrangements had been made for the affected flight to operate the following day.

The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to its passengers, while appreciating their patience and understanding during the disruption.

Safety Remains Paramount

Air Peace said safety remained the overriding consideration in its operational decisions, stressing that it would continue to prioritise the wellbeing of passengers.

“At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain paramount,” the airline said.

The clarification comes amid growing passenger concerns over flight delays and cancellations, particularly when disruptions result in extended waiting periods at airports.

Air Peace said it remained committed to keeping passengers informed and taking necessary measures when unforeseen operational circumstances affect scheduled services.