Passengers are stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja as aviation labour unions disrupt domestic flight operations over disputes involving workers’ unionisation and statutory payments.
The industrial action has affected flights operated by several airlines, leaving travellers unable to access some airport terminals.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to the unions to suspend the action and allow dialogue to continue.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA said the issues could have been addressed at a meeting called by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo last week.
However, the meeting did not take place because airline operators failed to attend, the authority said.
The NCAA urged all parties to exercise restraint until Mr Keyamo returns and continues efforts to resolve the dispute.
“We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation,” the NCAA said.
“We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable.”
The authority also sought to reassure passengers that the disruption had not compromised aviation safety.
“The travelling public can be assured that flight safety remains uncompromised,” it said, adding that it was continuing to carry out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
Airlines suspend or disrupt operations
United Nigeria Airlines announced a temporary suspension of its flights, citing the industrial action against domestic airlines.
The airline said it had paused operations to protect passengers and crew.
“Rather than compromise on safety, we have chosen to pause operations until normalcy is restored,” the airline said.
It apologised to affected passengers and said they would receive updates on revised flight schedules.
Air Peace also reported disruptions after labour unions picketed its operations in Lagos and Abuja.
The airline said members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) blocked access to its departure terminals.
It said entrances to Terminals 1 and 2 of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport terminal in Abuja, had been barricaded.
“The blockade has restricted access to these terminals, preventing the departure of scheduled flights from Lagos and Abuja,” Air Peace said.
The airline apologised to passengers affected by the disruption and said travellers scheduled to fly later in the day were being contacted.
The unions’ action centres on demands concerning the unionisation of workers employed by domestic airlines and the payment of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
The NCAA said it was confident the dispute would be resolved and normal operations restored.
