Stakeholders Warn of Economic Impact from Airline Disruptions

Stakeholders in Nigeria's aviation industry have warned that the ongoing disruptions of airline operations by labor unions are adversely affecting the nation's economy. They emphasized that air transport is crucial for economic growth, enabling swift movement of key decision-makers and investors among major hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) issued a seven-day notice to picket airlines indebted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regarding Ticket Sales Charges (TSC). This debt has accumulated to billions of naira, exacerbated by rising aviation fuel costs due to the US-Iran war.

Although NCAA and the airlines had previously agreed on a payment plan, including an initial 10% payment of the debt, the unions expressed disappointment with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). The NCAA's Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the planned picketing was called off following intervention by NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo.