Jet Fuel Scarcity Disrupts Flights, Ground Handlers Threaten Withdrawal Over N9bn Debt

Air travellers across Nigeria are facing mounting frustration as a deepening shortage of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, continues to disrupt flight operations at major airports, triggering delays, rescheduling, and cancellations.  

Airlines say the persistent scarcity has hampered their ability to maintain flight schedules, with hundreds of passengers left stranded in Lagos, Abuja, and other key domestic routes. Many have reported spending hours at terminals with little clarity on departure times, while others had flights rescheduled multiple times in a single day.  

The crisis has forced some operators to rationalise routes and cut frequencies to manage limited resources. 

Industry players link the scarcity to a surge in Jet A1 prices, which they say have risen by over 300 per cent since the start of the US-Israel war in Iran and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles one-fifth of global fuel supply.  

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had threatened to shut down operations last Monday over the crisis but suspended the action after intervention by the Federal Government. 

A stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was held last Wednesday, followed by talks with oil marketers on Thursday.  

As of press time, there was no relief for airlines over the acute shortage. The only outcome from the meetings was the approval of a 30 per cent discount on debts owed by airlines to service providers. 

The carriers are, however, pushing for a total waiver on indebtedness to agencies including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).  

Compounding the situation, ground handling companies have threatened to withdraw services to indigenous airlines over a N9bn debt.  

Operators warn that without urgent steps to stabilise fuel supply, the aviation sector risks more severe disruptions amid already high operating costs.