NCAA Appeals to Aviation Unions as Industrial Action Grounds Flights

Flight operations were disrupted at major airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday as aviation unions began industrial action over unresolved demands involving domestic airlines.

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) picketed airline facilities, affecting scheduled flights and leaving passengers stranded at the airports.

The dispute centres on issues including the unionization of airline workers and the payment of statutory charges to aviation authorities.

Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to suspend the action and allow further dialogue while awaiting the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has been involved in efforts to resolve the dispute.

In a statement signed by the NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, the regulator said a meeting convened by the minister last week could have provided an opportunity to address the concerns, but airline operators did not attend.

The NCAA assured passengers that flight safety had not been compromised, adding that it would continue to carry out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.

The authority called on all parties to return to dialogue, expressing confidence that the disagreement could be resolved and normal flight operations restored.

Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines temporarily suspended its operations, citing the industrial action and the need to protect passengers and crew.

The airline said affected passengers would receive updates on revised schedules and urged them to contact its customer service channels for assistance.

Air Peace also reported disruptions after union members blocked access to its terminals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The airline said the blockade disrupted scheduled departures, affecting passengers travelling across its network.

Air Peace apologized to passengers for the disruption and said it was monitoring the situation while keeping affected travellers informed of developments.

The development has raised fresh concerns across the aviation sector, as unions, airlines and government authorities are expected to continue talks to resolve the dispute and restore normal flight operations.