Air Peace has cancelled its Abuja to Maiduguri service of Saturday 26 September 2026 after a fuel shortage delayed operations in the capital and air traffic control at Maiduguri later refused to accept the aircraft after sunset.
The airline issued a statement after video and reports circulated of passengers at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport voicing frustration at the disruption.
Air Peace said the first delays to its Abuja schedule were caused by a lack of Jet A1 aviation fuel. The shortage affected Air Peace and other carriers at the airport. Once fuel became available, the airline said its other delayed flights began to operate.
The Maiduguri service did not follow. According to the airline, controllers at Maiduguri had first granted an extension for the incoming flight. By the time passengers were called to board in Abuja, the tower had withdrawn that permission. Officials said the airport had reverted to visual flight rules and would not accept arrivals after sunset.
Visual flight rules mean an aircraft must be flown with the pilot able to see the ground and other traffic. Many Nigerian airports without full night landing facilities close to such operations once daylight ends.
Air Peace said passengers were kept informed during the delay and were given refreshments. After the cancellation, those booked on the Maiduguri flight were put up in hotels. The airline said it had arranged to operate the service the following day.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and appreciate their patience and understanding,” the statement said. “At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain paramount, and we will continue to prioritise these considerations in all our operations.”
