The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned of a nationwide shutdown if aviation unions disrupt operations of any member airlines. This warning follows a recent incident where unions disrupted Air Peace operations at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed Airport and Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 11. The disruptions left passengers stranded and affected dozens of flights.
The AON described the August action as a "violent disruptive action" and alleged that union members blocked access to Air Peace departure terminals, check-in counters, offices, and workstations at the two airports. Some airline workers were injured during the incident. The AON stated that the disruption had far-reaching consequences beyond the dispute between airlines and labour unions, affecting passengers, airline workers, and airport operations.
According to the AON, over 70 Air Peace flights were affected, with estimated losses exceeding N2 billion. Additionally, over 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were affected, impacting around 13,000 passengers. The affected airlines had to cancel or reschedule flights, rebook passengers, and provide accommodation and other assistance. The AON also noted that operators incurred additional costs from repositioning aircraft and crew and recovering disrupted operations.
The August disruption was triggered by a dispute between aviation unions and airlines over the payment of the five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and the unionisation of airline workers. The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, picketed Air Peace operations in Lagos and Abuja.
The AON and the unions have maintained different positions on the dispute. The association claims airlines are operating under payment arrangements with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over outstanding charges. However, the unions argue that their concerns include workers' freedom to belong to trade unions. AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo stated that the August action targeted Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, while ATSSSAN President John Ogbe said the unions' position aimed to promote cooperation and protect workers' rights.
Beyond the dispute with labour unions, the AON noted that airlines face several operational challenges contributing to flight delays and cancellations. These challenges include bad weather, congested aircraft parking areas, limited operating hours at some secondary airports, VIP movements, bird strikes, and fuel shortages. The association also highlighted that Jet A1 aviation fuel costs over N2,500 per litre and that supply remains unreliable at some secondary airports.
The AON described the August disruption as a security concern, citing the ease with which access to airline terminals was blocked, exposing weaknesses in airport security arrangements. The association called for a review of security procedures and emergency response arrangements at airports to prevent similar disruptions. The protection of passengers, airline workers, and aircraft must remain a priority, regardless of disputes between airlines and labour unions.
Key points
- The Airline Operators of Nigeria threatens a nationwide shutdown if aviation unions disrupt operations of any member airlines.
- The recent disruption caused by unions affected over 70 Air Peace flights and 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights.
- Airlines face operational challenges, including bad weather, congested aircraft parking areas, and fuel shortages.
