Airline Operators Warn of Nationwide Flight Suspension

The Airline Operators of Nigeria issued a warning that domestic airlines could suspend operations nationwide if labor-related disruptions similar to the August 11 incident involving Air Peace are repeated. This warning was made in a communiqué after a meeting in Abuja on September 28.

The August incident saw union members allegedly block access to Air Peace facilities at airports in Lagos and Abuja, disrupting over 70 Air Peace flights and more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights, affecting approximately 13,000 passengers and resulting in losses estimated at over $1.51 million (N2 billion). The airlines described the union's actions as unlawful, while the unions contested this characterization, citing concerns over statutory aviation charges and workers' rights.

The operators emphasized that future disruptions could have broader implications for air travel, particularly affecting major hubs like Lagos and Abuja. They also called for greater involvement in the reconstruction plans for Lagos’ main international airport to ensure operational needs are met.