NCAA moves to halt flight disruptions as aviation union strike over TSC

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on aviation unions to cease their ongoing strike over the disputed Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and resume negotiations to resolve the matter. This appeal comes after the industrial action disrupted operations for Air Peace in Lagos and Abuja, leaving passengers stranded and flights delayed.

NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the appeal in a statement on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, expressing concern over the impact of the disruption on passengers and other stakeholders. The authority has been actively engaged in resolving the issues at the heart of the dispute, with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expected to return and continue the process.

However, a meeting convened by Keyamo last week was cancelled due to airlines failing to respond to the invitation. The NCAA has urged all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing that flight safety remains uncompromised and the regulator continues to fulfill its safety oversight responsibilities. The strike was sparked by the airlines' alleged failure to remit the statutory 5% TSC, a levy collected from passengers' ticket prices by airlines on behalf of the NCAA.

The funds generated from this charge are used for essential aviation services, including safety oversight, certification, licensing, and inspections. Despite warnings from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) that the planned strike was misguided and could disrupt flight operations, the unions proceeded with the action, leading to the recent disruption.

The TSC dispute has evolved into a broader disagreement involving aviation unions, airline operators, and the NCAA over the collection and use of the charge, with the latest industrial action directly affecting flight operations and passengers.