Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has absolved themselves over persisting flight cancellations and delays across airports in the country.
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema who addressed the Senate Committee on Aviation on behalf of AON claimed scarcity of Aviation Fuel, ( JetA1), inadequate parking spaces, amongst others were responsible.
He was at the national assembly on the invitation of the Senate Committee led by Senator Smart Adeyemi.
Onyema said local airline operators often sourced Jet A1 from the black market to sustain their business.
He said: “Apart from the crippling issue of shortage of Jet A-1, the marketers have been increasing the price of the product consistently in the recent past to an unbearable point. As of April this year, Jet A-1 fuel sold for about N230 a litre.
“About a month ago in May, the price jumped to between N250- N255. As of today, the price has skyrocketed to an average of N280- N300 a litre depending on if you are buying in Lagos or Abuja. This has greatly increased our operational cost.”
On inadequate parking spaces for aircraft, Onyema disclosed that during the peak period of 6:39a-8:30 am, there are usually between 14-15 aircraft departing the local airport in Lagos. “Unfortunately, the Apron at Muritala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for instance can only accommodate a maximum of six aircraft at a time and the newly built apron can accommodate another 3-4 aircraft. This means jostling for parking space which also causes delay.”
Other reasons given by Onyema included unavailability of foreign exchange for spare parts and maintenance, sudden change of weather, day due to VIP movement, inefficient passenger access and facilitation, delay clearance of spare parts from Customs and inadequate screening and exit points at departure.
Onyema further demanded prosecution of passengers who react violently to delay and cancellation of flights.
He was, however, countered by a member of the Committee, Senator Abba Moro who dismissed some of the reasons advanced as inexcusable.
He further asked AON to take positive actions to mitigate flight delays and cancellations.
Speaking earlier, Senator Adeyemi said the leadership of the AON was invited to explain to the Senate, reason(s) for flight cancellation and delay.
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