Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has raised the alarm over looming Jet A1 aviation fuel scarcity,which may threaten uninterrupted flight services as the country celebrates the yuletide season.
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, its spokesman, conveyed this in a statement made available to aviation journalists on Tuesday.
He said that the scarcity of the product was once again affecting their operations, stressing that this had been the situation in the past few days.
According to him, the scarcity of the product may compel the airlines to reschedule their flights, while flight cancellations are also inevitable.
Regretting the situation, the spokesman described it as a pain on airline operators and a stain on the industry especially at this time of mass movement of people for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
He added: “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.”
He vowed that the operators would do their utmost best to manage the situation and ensure safe flight operations, but pleaded for the understanding of the traveling public in the present circumstance.
He implored relevant authorities, including product importers and marketers to do their best to resolve the situation so as to ease the stress it brings on the travelling public.
He maintained that the operators remained committed to doing all that is necessary to ensure seamless services and safe air travels in Nigeria.