Air travellers across Nigeria are experiencing extended delays and cancellations as airlines struggle to access Jet A1 aviation fuel, with fresh disruption reported at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Passengers booked on a United Nigeria Airlines service from Abuja to Benin were left in limbo after their evening departure was repeatedly postponed over several hours.

The flight, initially slated for early afternoon, was first shifted to late afternoon. Just as travellers prepared to board, another announcement pushed the departure to the following morning, leaving many without clear guidance on what to do next.

With no arrangements made for lodging or transportation, affected passengers were forced to make last-minute personal plans for the night inside and around the airport.

One traveller, Akporoba Monday Olomu, described the situation as frustrating, saying airline officials provided little communication throughout the delay. According to him, passengers received the final rescheduling notice only in the evening, with instructions to return by 7 a.m. the next day.
He questioned why no accommodation or support was offered to stranded customers, noting that requests for assistance were declined by airline representatives.

The incident adds to a growing list of operational challenges faced by domestic carriers as the scarcity and rising cost of Jet A1 fuel continue to strain flight schedules nationwide.

Industry observers warn that without swift intervention to stabilise supply, more disruptions could follow across major routes.