Unions picket domestic airlines over workers’ unionisation, statutory charges as Air Peace and United Nigeria suspend operations.
Passengers were stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) disrupted domestic flight operations over unresolved demands from airlines.
The industrial action, which grounded several scheduled flights, was linked to demands concerning workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
The unions barricaded entrances to terminals in Lagos and Abuja, preventing passengers from accessing departure areas and disrupting flights operated by several domestic airlines.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to suspend the action and allow room for dialogue pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
In a statement signed by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA said the issues could have been addressed at a meeting convened by the minister the previous week, but the airline operators failed to honour the invitation.
The authority assured passengers that flight safety remained uncompromised and that it was continuing to discharge 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 NCAA said.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations, citing the industrial action against domestic airlines.
The airline said it decided to suspend operations to protect the safety of passengers and crew, adding that it would resume flights once normalcy returned.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your understanding,” the airline said.
United Nigeria Airlines added that affected passengers would be kept informed of revised flight schedules and could contact its customer care team for further assistance.
Air Peace also announced a temporary disruption to its operations following the picketing of its facilities by the unions.
The airline said entrances to its departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Terminal in Abuja, had been barricaded.
According to Air Peace, the blockade prevented scheduled flights from departing Lagos and Abuja, leaving passengers across its network affected.
The airline apologised to stranded passengers and said those scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted with updates as the situation developed.
Air Peace said it was monitoring the situation and would resume normal operations once access to the terminals was restored.