Passengers were stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) disrupted flight operations over unresolved demands involving domestic airlines.
The industrial action grounded several scheduled flights and was linked to the unions’ concerns over workers’ unionisation and the payment of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
In response 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 has been working to resolve the issues.
In a statement signed by the NCAA Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, the authority said the concerns could have been addressed during a meeting called by the minister the previous week. However, the meeting did not take place because airline operators reportedly failed to attend.
The NCAA also assured passengers that the industrial action had not compromised aviation safety and that it remained 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 statement added.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations as a result of the labour action against domestic airlines.
The airline explained that the decision was taken to safeguard its passengers and crew, “which remains our priority at all times. Rather than compromise on safety, we have chosen to pause operations until normalcy is restored.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your understanding.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will resume full operations once the situation normalizes.”
United Nigeria Airlines said affected passengers would receive updates on revised flight schedules and advised them to contact its customer care team for assistance.
Air Peace also confirmed that its operations had been temporarily disrupted following the picketing of its facilities and the ongoing industrial action by the aviation unions.
“The ongoing industrial action has resulted in the barricading of the entrances to our departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Alpha and Zulu Terminals) and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Terminal in Abuja.
“The blockade has restricted access to these terminals, preventing the departure of scheduled flights from Lagos and Abuja. Consequently, passengers scheduled to travel across our network have been significantly affected by the disruption to flight operations.
“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
“Passengers scheduled to travel later today are being contacted and provided with relevant updates as the situation evolves.
“Air Peace continues to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as necessary.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers as we navigate this situation.”
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