Air Peace cites fuel shortage and sunset restriction for flight cancellation

Air Peace said a Saturday flight from Abuja to Maiduguri was cancelled after an aviation fuel shortage delayed its operations and Maiduguri airport later restricted arrivals beyond sunset. In a statement responding to passenger videos and reports of frustration at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the airline said Jet A1 fuel was initially unavailable in Abuja. It said the shortage affected other airlines operating from the airport as well.

Air Peace said its affected operations resumed after fuel became available. The Abuja-Maiduguri service, however, could not proceed as planned because Maiduguri’s control tower withdrew an earlier extension allowing the aircraft to arrive after sunset. The airline said the tower initially approved the extension, but later informed it, around the time passengers were being called to board, that the airport had become subject to visual flight rules and would not operate beyond sunset.

Under such rules, pilots operate with specified visual conditions rather than relying on instrument procedures. Air Peace said it cancelled the service as a result and arranged hotel accommodation for the affected passengers. It also said refreshments were provided and that the flight was being arranged for the following day.

The disruption comes amid scrutiny of delays and cancellations in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority recorded 7,961 domestic flights in August, including 4,765 delays and 36 cancellations, according to figures cited in the source material. Air Peace disputed the regulator’s figures, saying it operated 2,564 flights during the month rather than the 1,864 recorded for it, and that more than 700 flights were omitted.

The airline also said only 391 of its delays resulted from factors within its control. The NCAA recently directed Air Peace to prepare compensation for passengers affected by a delayed Lagos-Enugu flight. The regulator’s rules set requirements for information, refreshments, assistance, rerouting and, in qualifying circumstances, compensation during disruptions.