Airport operations will continue amid aviation unions’ strike - FAAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reassured passengers that airport operations will proceed normally despite an ongoing industrial action by aviation unions. In a statement released Tuesday, FAAN confirmed it is working closely with aviation agencies, airlines, security services, and other stakeholders to mitigate the strike's impact and prevent disruptions.

The assurance follows earlier disruptions on Tuesday, which led some airlines, including Air Peace, Enugu Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, to suspend or reschedule flights. These disruptions occurred after access to airport terminals in Lagos and Abuja was restricted. The aviation unions initiated the strike due to grievances concerning the alleged restriction of workers' freedom to unionize and the non-remittance of a five percent Ticket Sales Charge collected from passengers.

The striking unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers. Their action is supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, urged the unions to suspend the strike pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The NCAA expressed confidence that dialogue would lead to a resolution and the swift restoration of normal flight operations, emphasizing that flight safety remains uncompromised.

FAAN acknowledged the role of organized labor and supports efforts toward an amicable resolution. The authority stated that measures are in place to ensure the orderly continuation of flight operations, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, functional, and accessible airports for all users.