Aviation Fuel Scarcity: Domestic flights delay, cancellation will continue, operators tell Senate

The operators of airlines in Nigeria have justified the delay and cancellations of domestic flights in the country.

The operators hinged the reason on non-availability and rising cost of aviation fuel, also known as JetA1 and inadequate parking spaces at airports.

The operators, led by the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, stated this on Tuesday when they appeared before the Senate Committee on Aviation chaired by Senator Smart Adeyemi.

He also demanded the prosecution of unruly passengers at the Airports.

Onyema claimed that on several occasions, JetA1 has been very scarce nationwide and has been affecting airline operations around the country.

He added that at times the operators go the extra mile to fulfil their obligation to customers by looking for fuel at the black market.

He said, “Apart from the fact that the shortage of Jet A-1 is crippling our operations, the marketers have been increasing the price of the product consistently in the recent past to an unbearable point.

As of April this year, Jet A-1 fuel was being sold for about N230 a litre.

“About a month ago in May, the price jumped to between N250- N255.

“As of today, the price has skyrocketed to an average of N280- N300 a litre depending on if you are buying in Lagos or Abuja. This has greatly increased our operational cost.”

The CEO of Peace Airline also hinged the cancellation and delay of flights on inadequate parking spaces for aircraft.