Lagos, Abuja Flights Disrupted As Aviation Unions Picket Domestic Airlines

Flight operations have been disrupted at major airports across Nigeria following the picketing of domestic airlines by three aviation unions over unpaid charges owed to aviation agencies.

The unions involved are the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).

The industrial action affected the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, comprising the Alpha and Zulu terminals, and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Sources at the Lagos airport said the unions embarked on the action over the failure of domestic airlines to remit billions of naira in charges accruing from ticket, cargo and charter sales.

The picketing led to the barricading of terminal entrances, restricting passengers from accessing the affected airports and disrupting scheduled flights. Thousands of travellers were consequently left stranded or unable to board their flights.

One of the affected airlines, Air Peace, confirmed that its operations had been disrupted by the industrial action. The airline apologised to passengers and said the situation was beyond its control.

Air Peace said passengers scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted and provided with updates, while assuring the public that it would continue to monitor the situation.

The National President of ATSSSAN, John Ogbe, said the action followed the expiration of successive 14-day, seven-day and three-day ultimatums issued to the airlines.

Ogbe said a recent intervention meeting convened by the Ministry of Aviation failed to resolve the dispute after the Airline Operators of Nigeria declined to engage with the unions. He warned that the picketing could be extended to all remaining domestic airports nationwide from Tuesday if the disagreement remains unresolved.