Air Peace COO: Unions Responsible for Passenger Claims Over Disrupted Flights, Airline Lost N2 Billion

Air Peace's Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, declared that labor unions will face legal and financial accountability for passenger compensation and potential lawsuits stemming from disrupted flights. The airline suffered an estimated N2 billion loss due to picketing by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).

“

Legally, passengers are not entitled to compensation from Air Peace because what happened was entirely out of the scope of the airline’s operations.

Olajide emphasized that the picketing constituted an "unexpected and uncontrollable external disruption" falling under the legal principle of force majeure. She stated that passengers seeking compensation through legal channels would have to sue the unions, as the airline was not liable. "Legally, passengers are not entitled to compensation from Air Peace because what happened was entirely out of the scope of the airline’s operations," she asserted.

The unions cited unpaid Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) debts to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and restrictions on workers joining unions as their grievances. However, Air Peace highlighted that most domestic airlines are not unionized, questioning why it was singled out. "If the issue of TSC indebtedness is industry-wide, why was Air Peace singled out for violent and disruptive picketing?" Olajide questioned.

“

If the issue of TSC indebtedness is industry-wide, why was Air Peace singled out for violent and disruptive picketing?

She further expressed concern over union members allegedly encouraging passengers to avoid Air Peace. "It is quite disturbing and curious that union members were captured on video urging passengers not to fly Air Peace again, but rather to use other airlines, the very same airlines that owe debts to the NCAA and are equally not unionized. The Federal Government must investigate this," she urged. Olajide also noted the incident's negative impact on international partners and aircraft lessors, raising confidence issues in Nigeria's aviation business environment.

“

It is quite disturbing and curious that union members were captured on video urging passengers not to fly Air Peace again, but rather to use other airlines, the very same airlines that owe debts to the NCAA and are equally not unionized. The Federal Government must investigate this.