Princess Kelechi
Nigerian airlines will face severe disruptions and flight cancellations over the scarcity of JetA1 fuel, the airline operators of Nigeria have said.
The operators said the scarcity is impacting negatively on the seamless conduct of air transport operations and would lead to flight rescheduling, and, or, cancellations.
The operators disclosed this in a notice signed by its spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo. The development is coming a week after the AON members stopped earlier plans to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, May 9, 2022 to give room for negotiation with the federal government.
The Association said, “The Airline Operators of Nigeria wish to alert the public of impending disruptions to scheduled flight operations of members of the association. This development is being forced on members by the growing scarcity of aviation fuel popular as Jet-Al.
Airline operators said they were buying fuel at N190 per litre in January but by March, it rose to N440 before hitting N700 in May.
They however informed that they working very hard, and in alliance with product marketers, government and relevant stakeholders, to ensure availability and proper pricing of aviation fuel in the country.
“While pleading the understanding of the flying public in the face of this reality, we also promise to do all that is necessary, and within our powers, to restore normal flight schedules as soon as possible.”
The Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had while intervening last week said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has agreed to provide aviation fuel at N480.