The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers has raised alarm over the persistent shortage of aviation fuel, warning that the crisis is threatening flight safety, airline operations, and jobs across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the association said the worsening scarcity of Jet A1 fuel has led to flight delays, route adjustments, and longer duty hours for pilots and engineers.

NAAPE President, Bunmi Gindeh, described the situation as a national concern requiring urgent intervention from aviation and petroleum regulators.

He called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders to urgently address the supply disruptions.

Gindeh warned that recurring delays caused by fuel shortages are increasing fatigue among pilots and technical personnel, potentially affecting aviation safety.

He said prolonged crew duty hours could impair cognitive function, slow reaction times, and reduce situational awareness during flight operations.

The association also noted that the fuel crisis is worsening financial pressure on domestic airlines already battling rising operating costs and high fuel prices.

NAAPE warned that if the situation persists, more airlines may suspend routes, reduce operations, or shut down entirely, leading to job losses and reduced connectivity across the country.

The union pointed to recent operational cuts by Rano Air as an early sign of the mounting pressure on airline operators.