HIGH JET A1 COSTS DISRUPT AIRLINE OPERATIONS

Airline operations in Nigeria are facing disruptions as carriers deal with the rising cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel and reported outstanding debts to fuel marketers.

The issue came to public attention after passengers travelling from Abuja on Air Peace flights to Lagos, Asaba and Maiduguri experienced lengthy delays and cancellations last Friday. Some passengers spent the night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following the disruptions.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that fuel-related issues affected the airline’s ability to operate some of its flights.

Air Peace later attributed the delays to the unavailability of Jet A1 at the Abuja airport, saying the situation affected several airlines. The carrier said operations resumed after fuel became available.

The airline also explained that its Abuja-Maiduguri flight could not operate later because the airport in Maiduguri became unsuitable for further operations after sunset.

However, some fuel marketers told The PUNCH that aviation fuel was available but that certain airlines had outstanding debts, which affected further supplies.

An airline source said Jet A1 was selling for about N2,130 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, while prices at other airports ranged from N2,180 to N2,230 per litre depending on location.

The source said the major challenge was not necessarily fuel availability but the high cost of the product, which has increased airlines’ operating expenses. Indigenous carriers are particularly affected because much of their revenue is earned in naira, while many expenses are linked to foreign exchange or denominated in dollars.

The source urged the Federal Government to intervene to prevent further financial pressure on local airlines.

Aero Contractors Managing Director, Ado Sanusi, also said there was no general shortage of aviation fuel in Nigeria. He attributed the improved availability partly to the Dangote refinery but acknowledged that the high price remained a major concern.

Sanusi said Jet A1 currently sells for about N2,000 per litre in Lagos and roughly N100 more outside Lagos.

He also stated that Aero Contractors was not indebted to fuel marketers, saying the airline settles its fuel bills when they are presented.

The developments highlight the financial pressure facing airlines as the cost of aviation fuel continues to contribute significantly to their operating expenses.