Max Air's Suspension Lifted After Debt Talks and Partial Payment

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has lifted its suspension on services to Max Air. This happened less than 24 hours after they stopped operations due to unpaid debts.

The association said they made this decision after seeing some progress in talks with the airline. Max Air paid a "substantial amount" towards its outstanding debts to the handling companies.

In a statement released on Friday, AGHAN explained that they lifted the suspension after Max Air re-engaged with their members. The airline committed to clearing its debts.

"We have to lift the handling suspension on Max Air after it commenced negotiations with our members and paid a substantial amount of money out of its debts," the association said.

Ground handling companies provide key airport services. These include aircraft marshalling, baggage handling, and ramp operations. These services are essential for the turnaround of airlines and safety compliance.

This news comes just a day after AGHAN withdrew handling services from Max Air. They cited long-standing unpaid debts that have reached unsustainable levels, affecting operations in the aviation support sector.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that AGHAN stopped services to Max Air on Thursday over debts estimated at N1 billion.

The association accused the airline of not engaging meaningfully in repayment talks while other airlines with debts were said to be making payment plans.

AGHAN pointed out that this action was necessary after many attempts to recover the debts failed. They warned that if the issue was not fixed, it could affect safety and operational efficiency at airports.

Even though the suspension has been lifted, AGHAN said the financial pressure facing ground handling companies is still a problem.

The association said its members are still dealing with rising costs. This includes costs from equipment procurement, foreign exchange fluctuations, and operational expenses, all while waiting for payments from airlines.

"We agree that the operating environment is tough for all operators, but we are not equally exempted from the challenge," the statement said.

They added that aviation services operate like a chain. They warned that financial problems affecting any part of the chain could lead to bigger issues for safety and service delivery.

"The aviation industry is a chain and not about the airlines alone. Others too play major roles in the ecosystem and they need to survive," the association said.