Nigerian Pilots Warn of Aviation Fuel Shortage Crisis

Pilots and engineers in Nigeria have expressed serious concerns regarding a persistent shortage of aviation fuel, specifically Jet A1, which they warn poses a significant threat to flight safety and the operational welfare of aviation workers. Bunmi Gindeh, the president of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), described the worsening situation as requiring urgent intervention from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The ongoing fuel supply disruptions have led to operational challenges for airlines, including flight delays and adjustments to crew duty hours, which could compromise safety margins. The situation is exacerbated by rising operational costs and fuel prices, putting additional financial pressure on airlines.

Gindeh cautioned that if the fuel crisis persists, airlines may be forced to reduce operations, suspend routes, or shut down entirely, leading to significant job losses across the aviation sector.