Ongoing aviation fuel constraints are forcing airlines to adjust schedules and scale back operations, raising fresh concerns over reliability and passenger experience.
Air Peace’s aircraft [PHOTO CREDIT:AASG]
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.
In two separate notices issued on Saturday, the airline said the situation has affected flight operations nationwide.
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.
| “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 |
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“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.
