The Airline Association of Nigeria (AON) alongside other aviation stakeholders has warned of flight disruption due to the scarcity of aviation fuel otherwise known as Jet A1, the association noted in a statement released on Tuesday.
According to the statement released by the spokesperson of AON, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the association fear that flight rescheduling or cancellation ahead of the Yuletide celebration seems very inevitable.
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo noted that prevailing indications are showing that the scarcity is already affecting the operations of airlines in the country.
The statement which warned against the recurrence of previous experience partly read ” The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wish to inform the public of impending disruptions in scheduled flight operations due to the scarcity of aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET-A1, which reared its ugly head again in the past few days. The scarcity will no doubt force airlines to reschedule flights leading to late operations and, or, cancellations”.
Investors King gathered that air passengers both local and international have increased ahead of the December festival. The increase in air traffic has however led to the hike in ticket fares. While air tickets From Abuja to Lagos on Airpeace have skyrocketed to an average of N70,000, fares to cities in the south-south states are as high as N120,000.
This increase in air tickets has often been credited to the scarcity of aviation fuel (Jet A1). In an almost unbelievable circumstance, two years ago, Jet A1 was sold for N200 per litre while the price currently stood at N800 per litre.
Despite the challenging times ahead, AON however promised that the operators would do their utmost best to manage the situation and ensure safe flight operations, but pleaded for the understanding of the travelling public in the present circumstance.
In addition, Prof Obaira also appeals to all necessary authorities including aviation fuel importers and marketers to resolve the issues surrounding fuel scarcity in the interest of public users.