Aviation unions suspend strike after disruption, airlines report losses

Nigeria's aviation sector faced significant operational and financial turmoil after aviation unions suspended a strike that disrupted flights and stranded thousands of passengers. Air Peace reported losses exceeding ₦2 billion, with over 70 flights impacted, while United Nigeria Airlines canceled more than 30 flights.

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more than 70 Air Peace flights were affected by the disruption, causing substantial financial losses in addition to the difficulties experienced by passengers and employees.

The industrial action stemmed from a dispute over a five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and allegations concerning workers' freedom to join trade unions. Unions accused domestic airlines of failing to remit collected TSCs to aviation agencies.

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The figure is higher than the more than ₦1 billion loss initially estimated by the airline shortly after the disruption.

However, Air Peace refuted these claims, asserting its compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority directives on TSC remittance. The airline questioned why it was singled out for picketing if the issue was industry-wide. Air Peace also denied preventing employees from unionizing, stating workers had voluntarily chosen not to.

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Mrs Olajide questioned why Air Peace was singled out for picketing if the dispute over the TSC involved the wider airline industry.

Adding to the disruption, Air Peace alleged that some of its employees, including a female staff member, were physically assaulted during the action. The airline expressed concern over the broader implications, including airport blockades affecting passenger confidence and airline operations. Air Peace called for an independent investigation into the events and cited a Federal High Court judgment restraining unions from coercing employees or disrupting operations.

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She also rejected the allegation that the airline prevented its employees from joining unions, saying the workers had voluntarily chosen not to unionise.