Air Peace has attributed recent flight disruptions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel and operating restrictions that subsequently prevented its Abuja–Maiduguri service from departing.
The airline issued the clarification following reports and footage circulating in the media and on social media showing passengers expressing frustration over the disruptions.
In a statement, Air Peace said the initial delays affected its operations and those of other airlines at the Abuja airport because of the unavailability of aviation fuel.
“The initial delays to our Abuja operations were occasioned by the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which affected Air Peace and other airlines operating from the airport,” the airline said.
“Upon the availability of fuel, our affected flights commenced operations accordingly.”
Air Peace, however, said its Abuja–Maiduguri flight was subsequently unable to operate as scheduled despite initially securing an extension.
According to the airline, by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding, prevailing Visual Flight Rules conditions meant the extension could no longer be used because the flight could not operate beyond sunset.
“Although an extension had initially been granted for the flight, by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding, prevailing VFR conditions meant that the extension was no longer tenable, as the flight could not operate beyond sunset,” the statement said.
Air Peace said passengers were kept informed during the disruption and provided with refreshments.
Following the cancellation of the Abuja–Maiduguri service, the airline said affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation, while arrangements were made to operate the flight the following day.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and appreciate their patience and understanding,” Air Peace said.
The airline reiterated that passenger safety and wellbeing remained its priority, saying it would continue to place those considerations at the centre of its operations.
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