Flight operations were disrupted at major airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday after labour unions picketed domestic airlines, leaving several passengers stranded and grounding scheduled flights.
The action by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was linked to unresolved demands over workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
Reacting to the disruption, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to suspend the action and exercise restraint pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who it said had been working to resolve the dispute.
In a statement signed by the NCAA Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, the authority said the issues could have been addressed at a meeting convened by the minister last week. However, the meeting could not take place because airline operators failed to honour the invitation.
The NCAA assured passengers that aviation safety had not been compromised and that it remained fully committed to carrying out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
“We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable,” the authority said.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations, citing the industrial action by labour unions against domestic airlines.
The airline said the decision was taken to protect the safety of its passengers and crew, which it described as its “priority at all times.”
“Rather than compromise on safety, we have chosen to pause operations until normalcy is restored,” the airline said, apologising to passengers for the disruption.
United Nigeria Airlines said it was monitoring developments and would resume full operations once normal flight services were restored. It added that affected passengers would be kept informed of revised schedules and advised them to contact its customer care team for further assistance.
Air Peace also reported disruptions to its operations following the picketing of its facilities and the ongoing industrial action.
The airline said the unions had barricaded the entrances to its departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, including the Alpha and Zulu terminals, and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport terminal in Abuja.
According to Air Peace, the blockade restricted access to the terminals and prevented scheduled flights from departing Lagos and Abuja, significantly affecting passengers travelling across its network.
“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control,” the airline said.
It added that passengers scheduled to travel later on Tuesday were being contacted and provided with updates as the situation developed.
The airline said it would continue to monitor the situation and issue further updates as necessary, while thanking passengers for their patience and understanding.
