Air Peace has explained the circumstances surrounding recent flight disruptions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, attributing the initial delays to the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel and the subsequent cancellation of its Abuja–Maiduguri service to operational restrictions imposed by prevailing visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
The airline issued the clarification following reports and videos circulating on social media showing some passengers expressing frustration over the disruptions.
According to Air Peace, the initial delays affected its Abuja operations as well as those of other airlines operating from the airport due to the unavailability of aviation fuel.
It said normal operations on the affected flights commenced after Jet A1 became available.
However, the airline explained that its Abuja–Maiduguri flight could not operate later as planned despite an extension initially granted for the service.
Air Peace said that by the time the aircraft was ready for boarding, prevailing VFR conditions meant that the extension was no longer tenable because the flight could not operate beyond sunset.
The airline said passengers were kept informed throughout the disruption and provided with refreshments.
Following the cancellation of the Maiduguri service, Air Peace said affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation, while arrangements were made to operate the flight the following day.
“Air Peace sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and appreciates their patience and understanding”, the airline said.
It reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of passengers remained its priority, stressing that operational decisions would continue to be guided by safety considerations.
“At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain paramount, and we will continue to prioritise these considerations in all our operations”, the airline stated.