Passengers have been left stranded at airports in Abuja and Lagos following the shutdown of Air Peace operations by aviation labour unions in the early hours of Tuesday.
Talkjudith
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) reportedly took the action over allegations bordering on workers’ unionisation and the non-remittance of ticket sales-related charges to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The development has triggered frustration among passengers, with reports circulating on social media alleging that some airlines may have been affected by enforcement measures linked to outstanding statutory payments to the aviation authorities.
The NCAA had earlier directed the suspension of services to 11 domestic airlines over unpaid statutory charges. However, claims that “only airlines that have paid can fly” or that the entire airport operation has been restricted to airlines that have settled their payments have not been officially confirmed in the latest reports available.
As passengers continue to seek answers at affected airports, there is yet to be a comprehensive official statement explaining the full extent of the current disruption.
More details are expected as the NCAA, affected airlines and aviation unions respond to the situation.
BREAKING: Passengers Stranded at Nigerian Airports as Air Peace Operations Shut Down
