NCAA Intervenes in Airline Labor Dispute Over Debts

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is addressing a conflict between aviation unions and airlines regarding accumulated Ticket Sales Charge debts, which arose during the US-Iran war due to increased aviation fuel costs. On August 7, 2026, the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) issued a three-day strike notice against airlines they claim are indebted to the NCAA.

The unions also allege that these airlines have obstructed their workers from joining unions. NCAA's Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, stated that the NCAA's Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, would mediate to prevent industrial action that could disrupt flight operations.

Achimugu confirmed that an agreement has been reached for airlines to pay their debts in installments after an initial 10% payment. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, previously intervened to halt planned picketing by the unions.