The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has expressed growing concern over the persistent shortage of aviation fuel, warning that the situation is beginning to threaten flight safety, airline operations and the welfare of aviation workers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NAAPE President Bunmi Gindeh described the worsening shortage of Jet A1 fuel as a serious national issue that requires immediate intervention from aviation and petroleum regulators.
According to the association, the prolonged disruption in fuel supply is already creating major operational difficulties for airlines, including delays, route changes and longer working hours for flight crews.
The warning comes at a difficult time for Nigeria’s aviation industry, where domestic airlines are already struggling with rising operational costs and increasing fuel prices.
“We hereby call on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, fuel suppliers, and all relevant stakeholders to treat the resolution of this Jet A1 supply crisis as a matter of urgent national priority,” Gindeh said.
He cautioned that the continued disruption of flight schedules is placing additional strain on pilots and technical personnel, increasing fatigue levels that could compromise safety in the sector.
“The persistent disruptions to flight schedules occasioned by the Jet A1 supply shortfall have resulted in significant extensions of crew duty time beyond planned parameters. Fatigue impairs cognitive function, slows reaction time, and, most dangerously, erodes situational awareness,” he stated.
Fatigue management remains a key safety issue within the global aviation industry, with strict regulations typically enforced to limit crew working hours and reduce the risk of human error during operations.
Beyond safety concerns, NAAPE also warned that the fuel crisis is deepening financial pressure on airlines already fighting to stay afloat.
According to Gindeh, grounded or delayed aircraft continue to accumulate operational costs despite generating no revenue, a situation that often affects workers through delayed salaries, increased stress and worsening welfare conditions.
The association further warned that if the fuel shortages persist, more airlines may be forced to suspend routes, scale down operations or shut down completely.
“Should the situation remain unaddressed, we anticipate further route suspensions, potential cessation of operations by some carriers, and significant job losses across the aviation sector,” Gindeh warned.
NAAPE also pointed to recent operational adjustments by some domestic airlines, including route reductions by Rano Air, as signs of the mounting pressure facing operators in the industry.
