Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Tuesday expressed serious concern over impending Jet A1 (aviation fuel) scarcity, saying the ugly situation may threaten flight services during the Yuletide season and New Year festivities nationwide.
The operators, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said there were already signals that the scarcity is affecting the operations of airlines in the country.
According to the association, the scarcity if not immediately addressed, may compel the airlines to reschedule their flights, while flight cancellations are also inevitable.
The AON described the development as a pain on airlines and undesirable for the aviation sector, especially at this season of mass movement of people for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
It stated: “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”, the association cautioned.
However, Okonkwo stated that the operators would do their best to manage the ugly situation and ensure safe flight operations even as he pleaded for the understanding of air travellers in the present circumstance.
The airline operators also called on the relevant authorities, including petroleum products importers and marketers to help address the worrisome situation by prioritizing Jet A1 lifting and distribution in the festive season.
It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, operators in the aviation industry charged the Federal Government to immediately intervene in the spiking price of Jet A1 in order to make air travels affordable for Nigerians and other travellers.
