Domestic airlines in Nigeria, under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have threatened to shut down operations nationwide if unions disrupt any member airline's operations again. This warning comes after the picketing of Air Peace flights in Lagos and Abuja on August 11, which caused significant disruptions. The AON condemned the "violent disruptive action" by aviation unions and other groups, highlighting the impact on passengers, airline workers, and airport security.
The August 11 disruption brought operations at major airports to a halt, with union members blocking access to Air Peace departure terminals, check-in counters, offices, and workstations. The incident affected over 70 Air Peace flights, with estimated losses exceeding ₦2bn, and impacted more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights, affecting about 13,000 passengers. The AON attributed the disruptions to an industrial dispute over statutory funds and unionization.
The AON stated that the disruption was more than an industrial dispute, as it affected not only passengers and airline workers but also airport security. The association reported cases of violence against airline staff, with some workers sustaining bodily injuries while performing their duties. Passengers faced immediate consequences, including cancelled or disrupted flights, stranding, and forced rebooking.
The airline operators blamed a combination of factors for delays and cancellations, including bad weather, congested aircraft parking areas, limited operating hours at secondary airports, VIP movements, and inadequate airport infrastructure. The AON also highlighted the high cost of Jet A1 fuel, which now exceeds ₦2,500 per litre, and unreliable supply at some secondary airports.
In response to the disruptions, the AON has reached a collective position that any repeat of the incident would trigger an industry-wide shutdown. The association warned that if the events of August 11 recur, all AON member airlines will immediately shut down operations. The AON also described the incident as a serious security concern, citing weaknesses in airport security arrangements.
The airline operators welcomed the ongoing reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos but urged authorities to involve airlines early in the design process. The AON emphasized the need for operators to help identify potential flaws affecting passenger and aircraft movement. The association also cited the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Annex 17 definition of unlawful interference.
The AON's warning comes as the aviation sector faces significant challenges, including high aviation fuel prices and foreign-exchange-linked maintenance expenses. The association's threat of a shutdown highlights the need for a resolution to the ongoing disputes between airlines and unions. The incident has serious implications for the aviation sector in Nigeria, both locally and globally.
Key points
- Domestic airlines in Nigeria threaten nationwide shutdown over union disruptions
- August 11 disruption caused significant losses for airlines and impacted thousands of passengers
- AON cites serious security concerns and weaknesses in airport security arrangements
