Passengers found themselves stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday due to a strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the Trade Union Congress. These unions halted flight operations in protest against domestic airlines over unresolved demands.
The strike disrupted numerous flight schedules as the unions pushed for issues like worker unionization and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
In response, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) urged the unions to exercise patience until the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, returns to address the situation. A statement by Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of Civil Aviation, highlighted that a meeting convened by the minister last week could have addressed these issues, but it was not attended by airline operators.
The NCAA reassured passengers that flight safety had not been compromised and reiterated its commitment to safety oversight responsibilities. “We encourage all parties to engage in dialogue. We are optimistic about a swift resolution and the resumption of normal flight operations soon,” the statement noted.
United Nigeria Airlines suspended its flights temporarily due to the unions’ industrial action, emphasizing passenger and crew safety as paramount. “Safety is our top priority. We prefer to pause operations rather than risk compromising it,” the airline explained. They apologized for the inconvenience and assured travelers they are monitoring the situation, with plans to resume normal operations once order is restored. Affected passengers are advised to contact customer care for further assistance.
Air Peace similarly announced disruptions due to picketing at terminals in Lagos and Abuja. The blockage prevented access to departure terminals, significantly impacting flight departures from these cities. Air Peace expressed apologies to inconvenienced passengers, stressing that these matters were beyond their control. Passengers are being kept informed as developments unfold, with the airline closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as needed. The airline appreciates passengers’ patience and understanding during this challenging time.
