Air Peace Explains Abuja-Maiduguri Flight Cancellation After Fuel Shortage, Maiduguri Restrictions

Air Peace has blamed the cancellation of its Abuja-Maiduguri flight on Saturday, September 26, 2026, on a shortage of aviation fuel at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and a last-minute restriction on operations at Maiduguri airport.

The airline said in a statement posted on its official X account that the unavailability of Jet A1 fuel affected Air Peace and other airlines operating out of Abuja that day. Flights resumed once supplies became available.

Fuel shortage triggered the first round of delays

According to the airline, the initial disruptions at Abuja were caused by the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel. That problem was not limited to Air Peace. Other carriers operating from the airport that day were also affected.

Operations picked up again after fuel supplies returned, but the Abuja-Maiduguri service still could not go ahead as scheduled.

Maiduguri tower reversed landing extension

Air Peace said the control tower in Maiduguri had originally granted an extension allowing the flight to land after the standard cutoff time. By the time boarding was about to begin in Abuja, the tower reversed that decision.

The airline was told the airport had reverted to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and would no longer accept arrivals after sunset.

VFR operations require pilots to navigate using visual references, which are not workable in low-light or night conditions. That effectively grounds flights that cannot land before darkness falls.

Passengers got refreshments, hotel accommodation

Air Peace said passengers were kept informed throughout the delays and given refreshments while they waited at the airport.

After the cancellation was confirmed, travellers heading to Maiduguri were offered hotel accommodation for the night. The airline arranged for the flight to operate the following day.

"We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and appreciate their patience and understanding," the airline said in its statement.

"At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain paramount, and we will continue to prioritise these considerations in all our operations."

The disruption followed footage and reports that circulated on social media showing passengers voicing frustration over the delays at Abuja airport.

What it means for travellers

The incident comes amid increased scrutiny of flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria, and of how airlines treat passengers when services are disrupted.

Local airfares have already surged by more than 100% amid a shortage of aircraft, leaving many passengers struggling to secure seats. Despite the high fares, several airlines are fully booked on high-demand routes.

Checks on airline websites show flights to popular destinations such as Asaba, Anambra, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Enugu are already sold out.