National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has warned that the worsening shortage of Jet A1 (aviation fuel) is beginning to pose serious safety and operational risks to the Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The association expessed worries that the persistent disruptions in aviation fuel supply are escalating prolonged flight delays, extended crew duty hours, route adjustments and mounting financial pressure on domestic airlines, which are already battling rising operational costs.

A statement issued yesterday by the President of NAAPE, Bunmi Gindeh, warned that the growing instability in Jet A1 availability could erode critical safety margins within the aviation system if left unresolved.

According to him, prolonged duty periods resulting from delayed and disrupted schedules are increasing fatigue among flight crew members, with potential implications for operational safety.

NAAPE emphasised that the situation required urgent national intervention and urged the Federal Government, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and fuel suppliers to treat the Jet A1 shortage as a matter of urgent national priority.

He said: “The development comes at a difficult period for Nigeria’s aviation sector, where airlines continue to contend with foreign exchange volatility, high maintenance costs, airport infrastructure challenges and fluctuating fuel prices that have significantly altered operational economics over the past three years.

“Fatigue impairs cognitive function, slows reaction time, and most dangerously, erodes situational awareness.”

Gindeh expressed that aviation fuel remained one of the largest cost components for Nigerian airlines, accounting for a significant share of operating expenditure.

He lamented that in recent years, operators had grappled with severe price fluctuations driven by forex pressures, supply chain bottlenecks and dependence on imported petroleum products.

NAAPE noted that while passengers often bear the immediate consequences of delays and cancellations, the prolonged operational uncertainty also places hidden strain on crew scheduling, aircraft turnaround operations, and maintenance planning.

The union further warned that the economic impact of the fuel shortage was beginning to affect airline workforce welfare and operational sustainability.

He further raised concerns over the long-term viability of some domestic carriers if the disruptions continued, pointing to recent route reductions announced by Rano Air as early indicators of mounting industry pressure.