Airline Operators Warn of Shutdown Over Union Disruptions

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that they may shut down all operations across the country if aviation unions disturb any of its member airlines.

This warning came after Air Peace faced disruptions at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on 11 August. The disruptions left many passengers stranded and caused numerous flight delays.

In a statement on Monday, the AON said this incident raised security and operational issues that could impact the entire aviation sector.

The association described the August disruption as a “violent disruptive action.” They claimed that union members blocked Air Peace’s departure terminals, check-in counters, offices, and workstations at both airports.

Some airline workers were reported injured during the incident. The AON said the disruption affected not just the airlines and unions but also passengers and airport operations.

The association stated that more than 70 Air Peace flights were affected, resulting in losses over N2 billion for the airline. Additionally, more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were impacted, affecting around 13,000 passengers.

The affected airlines had to cancel or reschedule flights, rebook passengers, and provide accommodation and other help. The AON also noted that operators faced extra costs from repositioning aircraft and crew and getting operations back on track.

The AON warned that if such an incident happens again against any of its members, it would lead to a complete shutdown of operations. “To this end, therefore, the AON would like to state in unequivocal terms that should the events of August 11, 2026, repeat against any domestic airline, the entire AON member airlines will immediately shut down operations,” the association said.

The disruption on 11 August stemmed from a disagreement between aviation unions and airlines over the five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and the unionization of airline workers.

Reports stated that unions accused airlines of not sending the charge collected from passengers to the relevant aviation agencies. They also claimed some airlines were blocking their workers from joining trade unions.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), with support from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, picketed Air Peace operations in Lagos and Abuja.

This picketing left many passengers stranded and flights disrupted. Air Peace reported that access to its departure terminals was blocked.

The unions later ended the picketing after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, intervened.

Since then, the AON and the unions have held different views on the issue. The AON claims airlines are already under payment arrangements with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over outstanding charges. But the unions insist their concerns also include workers’ rights to join trade unions.

At a recent aviation conference, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo stated that the August disruption targeted Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, and that airlines had been making payments under an agreed arrangement with the NCAA.

ATSSSAN President John Ogbe responded that the unions’ actions aimed to promote cooperation and protect workers' rights, not to disrupt airline operations.

Beyond the conflicts with the unions, the AON mentioned that airlines are facing various operational issues that cause flight delays and cancellations.

They listed problems like bad weather, crowded aircraft parking at Lagos and Abuja airports, limited operating hours at some smaller airports, VIP movements, bird strikes, equipment damage, fuel shortages, poor air traffic management, and inadequate airport facilities.

The AON also pointed out that Jet A1 fuel costs over N2,500 per litre and that supply is often unreliable at smaller airports. They noted that flight disruptions hurt airlines too, as they face financial losses and damage to their reputation when passengers are delayed or flights are canceled.

This warning comes amid growing concerns about flight delays in Nigeria's aviation sector. The NCAA recently reported that 7,961 domestic flights were operated in August, with 4,765 delayed and 36 canceled.

Air Peace had 1,330 delayed flights out of 1,864 recorded by the regulator. The airline disputed these figures, saying they operated 2,564 flights that month and that over 700 flights were not counted.

The AON also mentioned that the August disruption raised security concerns. They argued that the ease with which access to airline terminals was blocked shows weaknesses in airport security.

The AON referred to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annex 17 on aviation security, calling the incident unlawful interference with airline operations. They requested a review of security measures and emergency responses at airports to prevent future disruptions.

The AON emphasized that protecting passengers, airline workers, and aircraft must be a priority, regardless of disputes with unions.

They also welcomed the ongoing reconstruction of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos but urged for airlines to be involved in the planning process. Their experience could help spot issues affecting passenger movement, aircraft operations, and overall facility efficiency.

The AON concluded that better cooperation among airlines, airport authorities, regulators, and other aviation stakeholders is needed to tackle operational challenges in the sector. This warning of a possible shutdown comes as concerns continue over flight disruptions, high operating costs, and infrastructure challenges in Nigeria’s aviation industry.