Airline association warns of nationwide shutdown if airport picketing resumes

The Airline Operators of Nigeria has threatened an industry-wide shutdown if aviation unions disrupt the operations of any of its member airlines again. The warning followed action at Air Peace facilities at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on 11 August. The disruption left passengers stranded and affected dozens of flights.

In a communiqué issued on Monday, the AON described the incident as a violent disruption and alleged that union members blocked access to departure terminals, check-in counters, offices and workstations. It also said some airline workers were injured. The association said more than 70 Air Peace flights were affected, with losses estimated at more than N2 billion.

It said more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were also affected, impacting about 13,000 passengers. Airlines cancelled or rescheduled services, rebooked travellers and provided accommodation and other assistance. The AON said any repetition would lead all its member airlines to immediately stop operating.

It described the incident as a security concern, arguing that the ease with which access to terminals was blocked exposed weaknesses in airport security arrangements. The August action followed a dispute between aviation unions and airlines over payment of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and the unionisation of airline workers. NUATE and ATSSSAN, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, picketed Air Peace operations.

The unions later suspended the action after intervention by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The AON said airlines were making payments to the NCAA under an agreed arrangement. The unions have also maintained that workers’ freedom to join trade unions is part of the dispute.

The association called for stronger security and emergency procedures at airports.