New Vision (Kampala)

Uganda: Domestic Flights Halted Over Fuel Scarcity

Kampala — DOMESTIC flights across the country have been suspended. The decision follows the fuel scarcity due to the election violence that has engulfed Kenya, the main supply route.

"We are running out of aviation fuel. We can't afford to supply our domestic operators anymore. Eagle air has since suspended its flight due to the shortage," said Ignie Igundura, the Civil Aviation Authority public relations officer.

"We don't have reserves and can't have reserves without supplies," he said, adding that the if supplies do not arrive soon.

He, however said other scheduled operators such as Air Uganda and Royal Daisy airlines that fly to Sudan, had not been affected. "They all get fuel from us (CAA) but it would be better to get an answer from them."

An official from Royal Daisy said: "We have enough fuel and only fly on schedule."

An official from Air Uganda offices in Entebbe also said: "We still have enough to push us for some time and we are operating as usual."

Igundura said CAA needed at least 300,000 liters of fuel daily for domestic and international flights. "But this shortage will not greatly affect the international flights," he stressed.

Eagle air passengers were on Wednesday reported stranded in Entebbe, Gulu, Pader, Kidepo, Arua, Moyo, Aadjumani, Juba and Yei. "As domestic flight operators, we are not at liberty like the international flights to refuel in any other airport. We solely rely on domestic supply," said Deo Nyanzi the Eagle air public relations manager.


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