Air Peace has explained the circumstances surrounding the disruption and eventual cancellation of its Abuja-Maiduguri flight on September 26, 2026, following complaints by passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The airline said the initial delays affecting its Abuja operations were caused by the unavailability of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which also affected other airlines operating from the airport.
In a statement posted on its X account, Air Peace said its affected flights resumed operations after aviation fuel became available.
However, the airline said the Abuja-Maiduguri service could not operate as scheduled after the Maiduguri airport control tower withdrew an earlier extension granted for the flight to arrive.
According to Air Peace, the tower initially extended the operating window for the aircraft but later informed the airline, as boarding was about to commence, that the airport had become subject to Visual Flight Rules and would no longer permit operations beyond sunset.
“The tower in Maiduguri who had given extension for our flight to come in, later came back as at the time of our calling for boarding, to state that the airport had become VFR and would no longer fly beyond sunset,” the airline said.
Air Peace said passengers were kept informed throughout the disruption and provided with refreshments while efforts were made to resolve the situation.
Following the cancellation, the airline said passengers booked on the Maiduguri service were provided with hotel accommodation while arrangements were made to operate the flight the following day.
The airline apologised to passengers affected by the disruption and said it appreciated their patience and understanding.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and appreciate their patience and understanding,” Air Peace said.
It added that passenger safety and wellbeing remained its priority, particularly when operational conditions could affect the safe conduct of a flight.
“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 airline said.
