The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is reportedly denying access to aviation fuel marketers at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja which may likely cause a disruption in some Nigerian’s Easter plans.
This follows the lingering aircraft delays owing to the scarcity of aviation fuel called A1 fuel.
The Punch reported on Thursday gathered the information on the fuel access denial.
The Chief Commercial Officer of Green Africa, Obi Mbanuzuo, revealed that FAAN restricted access to marketers who failed to comply with an “impromptu” 100% increment in Apron pass charges.
He said, “FAAN is currently restricting access to all fuel marketers in Abuja. The reason is that they instituted a 100% increment in Apron pass charges and require them to pay ASAP. No fuel marketers are currently being allowed onto the apron so no fuel vendors.”
According to the reports, the fuel shortage has resulted in the grounding of two aircraft in Abuja waiting for fuel, with other flights experiencing cancellations and delays.
“We now have two aircraft on the ground in Abuja stuck waiting for fuel.
“We could have tankered into Abuja but we were full so couldn’t.
He added that the situation has led to a congested ramp in Abuja, with most airlines having at least two aircraft on the ground, and that passengers’ Easter plans have been ruined due to the disagreement between FAAN and fuel marketers.
“Ramp in Abuja is now congested with most airlines having at least two aircraft now on the ground. Lagos to Akure with a 100% load factor of 4 pm is now cancelled as we cannot meet up with sunset even if we depart with our normal schedule now.
“Akure to Lagos was 70% full. Passengers’ Easter plans were destroyed because of FAAN and fuel marketers’ disagreement,” he added.
While many airline operators, including Ibom Air and Green Africa, have confirmed that flights are landing without fuel, the Assistant General Secretary of Aviation Round Table, Olumide Ohunayo, noted that the charges affect everyone, including ground handlers.
He further stated that the increase is across the board but that Abuja is taking action today.
However, there are concerns about whether the marketers were adequately informed about the charges. The report states that efforts to reach FAAN for comment on the issue proved unsuccessful.
