Local airline operators cancel more flights as fuel scarcity continues

Flight delays and cancellations among airlines in Nigeria continues unabated, as the price of aviation fuel increased further due to scarcity.

Last year the fuel moved between N230 and N250 per litre across different states in the country.

On Wednesday reports have it that the price of a litre of Jet fuel in Lagos was N590 while in Abuja and Port Harcourt the product sold at N599. In Kano, the product went for N625.

The high cost is already being felt at Lagos and Abuja airports as aircraft were forced to park for hours waiting for fuel.

Airlines like Ibom Air could not fly most of their aircraft on Tuesday, March 8, due to fuel scarcity. The airline admitted to the situation and predicted the situation may extend to Wednesday.

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“We have encountered a situation today where aviation fuel is scarce and therefore unavailable at almost all our flight destinations. This has significantly impacted our flight schedule today (Tuesday) and may do the same tomorrow (Wednesday).

“At this time, we have no indication when the issue will be resolved, however, we are working with our fellow airlines and fuel suppliers to find a solution,” the airline said.

Dana Air also found itself in the same situation last week where most of their flights were cancelled due to scarcity of fuel.

Late last month, one of Nigeria’s airlines, Air Peace, informed passengers that some of their flights were delayed due to scarcity. The airline said their Lagos to Port Harcourt flight for 14:30 on February 15 was delayed due to lack of fuel and the Port Harcourt to Abuja flight for 16:25 and Abuja to Lagos for 16:25 were also affected.

Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria imports almost all its jet fuel.