Aviation Blues: Fuel scarcity to disrupt flight schedules —Airline Operators

*Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Spokesman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, urges concerned authorities, including product importers and marketers, to resolve recurring Jet A-1 scarcity to ease the stress on the travelling public

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Trouble is not yet over in the Nigerian aviation Industry, as there has been scarcity of aviation fuel, which again, may result in disruptions in flight operations amid the festive season.

ConsumerConnect reports domestic airline operators, under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has revealed they may be forced to reschedule flights or cancel them in the country.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Spokesman of AON, in a statement issued Tuesday, December 20, 2022, said: “The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wish to inform the general public of impending disruptions in scheduled flight operations due to the scarcity of aviation fuel, otherwise known as Jet A-1, 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.”

Despite the likely negative impact this “ugly situation” on the economy, Prof. Okonkwo stated the airline operators assured travellers they would “do our utmost best to manage the situation and ensure safe flight operations.”

The AON Spokesman urged the travelling public to bear with them and the concerned authorities to do all they can to resolve the situation.

He also said: “This unintended development is a pain on airline operators and a stain on the industry especially at this time of mass movement of people for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“While we do our utmost best to manage the situation and ensure safe flight operations, we plead the understanding of the traveling public in the circumstance.”

Okonkwo further stated: “We also call on the concerned authorities including product importers and marketers to do their best to resolve this ugly situation so as to ease the stress it brings on the travelling public.

“As Airline Operators, we remain committed to doing all that is necessary to ensure seamless services and safe air travels in our dear country.”