Air Peace cites fuel shortage and weather for Abuja flight disruption

Air Peace has attributed recent disruptions to its Abuja flights to a shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel and weather conditions that later prevented an Abuja-Maiduguri service from operating as planned. The airline issued the explanation after reports and videos circulated on social media showing passengers raising concerns about the disruption. It said the initial delays at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were caused by the unavailability of aviation fuel, which also affected other airlines operating from the airport.

According to Air Peace, its affected flights began operating after fuel became available. The carrier said the Abuja-Maiduguri flight, however, could not subsequently depart despite an extension that had initially been granted. Air Peace said prevailing Visual Flight Rules conditions meant the extension was no longer viable by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding.

The airline explained that the service could not operate beyond sunset under those conditions. The carrier said passengers were informed about the delays throughout the disruption and were provided with refreshments. After the flight was cancelled, it said affected passengers received hotel accommodation.

Air Peace added that arrangements were made to operate the Abuja-Maiduguri service the following day. It apologised to passengers for the inconvenience and said it appreciated their patience and understanding. The airline said safety and passenger wellbeing remained its priority, adding that it would continue to place safety considerations at the centre of its operations.

Its statement did not provide further details about the duration of the airport’s fuel shortage or identify the other affected airlines beyond saying that the problem was broader than Air Peace.