The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned of a nationwide shutdown of flight operations if labour unions continue to disrupt the activities of its member airlines through picketing. This decision was made during a general meeting in Abuja on September 22, 2026. AON members, including domestic scheduled, cargo, and charter airline operators, expressed concern over recent incidents of labour unions disrupting airline operations.
On August 11, 2026, labour unions disrupted the operations of Air Peace at several airports, including Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 and 2 in Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The unions accused AON members of owing Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and preventing workers from joining unions. In response, AON stated that these actions exposed vulnerabilities in airport security and called for an immediate review and overhaul of security procedures.
AON views the actions of the labour unions as a gross violation of the rights of operators to a safe and secure operational environment. The airline body cited recorded cases of violence against airline staff and bodily harm caused by union members. AON referenced ICAO Annex 17, which defines unlawful interference as acts that jeopardize civil aviation safety.
The disruptions resulted in significant losses for airlines, with Air Peace alone losing over ₦2 billion due to 70 affected flights. United Nigeria Airlines also experienced disruptions, impacting around 13,000 passengers. Airlines had to bear additional costs, including rebooking passengers, providing accommodation, and paying refunds.
The nationwide shutdown threat comes as airlines face an already challenging operating environment, with high fuel costs and foreign-exchange based maintenance costs. AON emphasized that no airline wants to delay or cancel flights, but factors beyond their control, such as weather and inadequate airport infrastructure, often cause these issues.
AON commended the ongoing construction and rehabilitation activities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos but requested that airlines be involved in the planning process to ensure functionality and address potential design flaws. The body seeks to contribute to the development of airport facilities and ensure a smooth flow of operations.
The ongoing dispute between AON and labour unions highlights the challenges faced by the Nigerian aviation sector. With the threat of a nationwide shutdown, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. AON remains committed to protecting its employees, passengers, and equipment while maintaining high safety and operational standards.
Key points
- Nigerian airlines may shut down nationwide if labour unions continue to disrupt operations.
- Labour unions disrupted Air Peace operations at several airports on August 11, 2026.
- AON cites vulnerabilities in airport security and calls for an overhaul of security procedures.
