Passengers at the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport were left stranded on Saturday after an early morning flight operated by Air Peace was delayed indefinitely, triggering frustration and tension at the terminal.
The flight, scheduled to depart at 7:00 a.m., was postponed without a clear departure time, prompting angry reactions from travellers who said they were not given adequate information.
One passenger described the situation as chaotic, noting that the delay led to heated exchanges at the airport.
The airline, however, attributed the disruption to ongoing aviation fuel supply challenges affecting its operations across the country.
In an official statement via its official X handle on Saturday, Air Peace said, “Flights departing from some of our terminals may experience delays due to the current aviation fuel supply constraints affecting flight operations nationwide.”
The carrier explained that limited availability of aviation fuel had impacted scheduled departures, leading to the delays experienced by passengers.
“Fuel availability remains limited, which has affected our operations,” the airline said, adding that efforts were ongoing to resolve the issue.
“We are actively engaging with relevant partners to address the situation as quickly as possible and minimise disruptions to travel plans,” it stated.
The airline appealed to affected passengers for patience and understanding, while urging them to contact its support channels for updates.
“Your safety remains our highest priority, and we are committed to operating flights safely and as promptly as conditions allow,” the statement added.
The development highlights ongoing concerns over aviation fuel supply in the country, which continues to impact airline schedules and passenger travel plans.