Handlers withdraw services from Max Air

Max Air faces operational uncertainty as aviation ground handling companies have withdrawn their services over unpaid debts. The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) took this action on Thursday, grounding the airline's domestic flights nationwide.

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We took the decisive action on Max Air today (Thursday) because the airline refused to negotiate with us.

AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun stated the decision followed Max Air's refusal to engage in discussions for reconciling and settling outstanding obligations. He contrasted this with other airlines that have opened negotiations and are progressing toward repayment agreements. "While the other debtor airlines are negotiating with us, Max Air has blatantly refused to negotiate with the handling companies," Adigun said.

Adigun emphasized that this action serves as a warning to other airlines, as ground handlers cannot continue providing services without payment. He noted that some other indebted airlines are nearing Memoranda of Understanding for debt repayment. The association warned that prolonged non-payment by airlines severely strains ground handlers financially and operationally, threatening critical support services in Nigeria's aviation sector.

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While the other debtor airlines are negotiating with us, Max Air has blatantly refused to negotiate with the handling companies.

However, Max Air's ongoing Hajj flights will not be affected. Adigun clarified that handling charges for these pilgrimage flights are paid directly by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, insulating them from the dispute. Investigations suggest Max Air owes approximately N1 billion to two major ground handling firms: Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc.

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Some of the other debtor airlines are already on the verge of signing Memoranda of Understanding with our members on debt repayment. This action should serve as a signal to other airlines that ground handling companies can no longer continue to provide services without payment.