Passengers were left stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) disrupted flight operations in protest against unresolved demands involving domestic airlines.
The industrial action grounded several scheduled flights, with the unions demanding action on issues relating to workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
Reacting 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 Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA said the disputes could have been addressed at a meeting convened by the minister last week.
However, the authority said the meeting could not take place because airline operators failed to honour the invitation.
The NCAA assured passengers that flight safety remained uncompromised, stressing that it continued to discharge 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 the temporary suspension of its flight operations following the industrial action by labour unions against domestic airlines.
The airline said the decision was taken to protect the safety of 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 be informed of revised flight schedules and advised to contact its customer care team for further assistance.
Air Peace also announced a temporary disruption to its flight operations following the picketing of its facilities and the ongoing industrial action by the 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.”
The disruption has heightened concerns over the impact of the industrial action on domestic air travel, with passengers and airlines awaiting further engagement between the unions, airline operators and the Federal Government.
