By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has raised alarm over the ongoing scarcity of Jet A1 aviation fuel, warning that the crisis poses serious risks to flight safety, airline sustainability, and the wider aviation sector in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its President, Capt. Bunmi Gindeh, the association said the fuel shortage has already led to widespread flight delays, operational disruptions, and route adjustments by airlines across the country.
NAAPE noted that the situation has also resulted in extended crew duty times for pilots and aircraft engineers, a development it described as dangerous due to rising fatigue levels among aviation professionals.
According to the association, fatigue in aviation operations is a major safety concern as it impairs cognitive function, slows reaction time, and reduces situational awareness—key factors required for safe flight operations.
“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,” the statement read.
“For our members, this translates directly into elevated fatigue levels, a condition universally recognised in aviation as a critical safety hazard.”
NAAPE warned that the continued strain on airlines is also having economic consequences, as grounded or delayed flights generate no revenue while operational costs remain fixed. It added that this financial pressure is beginning to affect workers in the sector.
The association stated that pilots and engineers may face delayed salaries, wage cuts, and deteriorating welfare conditions, warning that financial stress could further compromise safety in the industry.
“The fuel crisis is inflicting significant financial strain on airline operators,” Capt. Gindeh said.
“A workforce operating under financial stress is a distracted workforce, and distraction in an aviation environment is a precursor to compromised safety.”
NAAPE also expressed concern over early signs of operational restructuring by airlines, citing Rano Air’s reported reduction in flight routes as an indication of worsening conditions.
It warned that if the situation persists, Nigeria could face route suspensions, possible shutdowns of some airline operations, and widespread job losses in the aviation sector.
“Given that aviation is a critical driver of economic activity, trade, tourism, and connectivity, the downstream consequences for the national economy would be severe and far-reaching,” the association cautioned.
NAAPE called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders to urgently address the Jet A1 supply crisis to avert further disruption and safety risks in the aviation industry.
