NCAA blames Jet A1 fuel crisis for Arik Air delays amid US-Iran war disruptions
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA
Abdullateef Fowewe
Ongoing flight delays on Arik Air’s Abuja-Lagos routes are due to a severe Jet A1 aviation fuel shortage and price surge exceeding 270% since late February 2026.
This was revealed on Sunday by Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director of Public Affairs Michael Achimugu.
In a direct response to a passenger’s complaint on X (formerly Twitter), Achimugu explained the root cause, “I empathize with you. There has been a jet A1 challenge for weeks owing to the war. Airlines even threatened to stop operations, if not for the intervention of the Honourable Minister.”
The crisis stems from global supply disruptions triggered by the escalating US-Iran conflict, which has strained aviation fuel availability worldwide.
Nigerian airlines, including Arik Air, warned of suspending operations starting April 20, 2026, but relented following urgent intervention by the country’s aviation minister.
Passengers have reported multiple delays, stranding travelers and disrupting schedules on one of the country’s busiest domestic routes.
However, NCAA has not announced immediate relief measures.
