Domestic airlines threaten shutdown over union disruptions

Domestic airlines in Nigeria have threatened to suspend operations nationwide if unions continue to disrupt their activities. This warning came after union members picketed Air Peace flights in Lagos and Abuja on August 11, causing significant disruptions. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) expressed severe condemnation of the "violent disruptive action" during their General Meeting in Abuja.

The union's actions halted operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals 1 and 2 in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The AON reported that Air Peace alone had over 70 flights affected, resulting in estimated losses exceeding ₦2 billion, while United Nigeria Airlines suffered disruptions impacting 13,000 passengers.

The AON emphasized that if the incident repeats, all AON member airlines would immediately cease operations. The association highlighted the severe security concerns arising from the blocked access to airline terminals, as it violated the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Annex 17 definition of unlawful interference. The airline operators attributed the disruptions to various factors, including bad weather, congested areas, limited operating hours at secondary airports, VIP movements, bird strikes, fuel shortages, and inefficient air traffic flow.

They warned that delays have financial and reputational consequences for airlines and urged authorities to involve them in airport design to prevent future issues.