TSC dispute: AON dares aviation unions, warns against flight disruption

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has dismissed threats by some aviation unions to disrupt flight operations over alleged non-remittance of the statutory five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). AON warned that any group causing disruptions or endangering the flying public would be held accountable.

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We want to clearly state that the AON has no transactional relationship whatsoever with these unions on this matter. To the best of our knowledge, they do not speak for, nor on behalf of, the NCAA.

The unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), claim that some airlines have failed to remit the TSC. They argue this non-remittance deprives aviation agencies, like the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), of essential funds for safe and efficient operations.

In response, AON issued a statement emphasizing their lack of a direct transactional relationship with the unions regarding the TSC. They questioned the unions' authority to speak on behalf of the NCAA and urged them to seek facts from appropriate channels before taking actions that could cause hardship to travelers. AON highlighted that Nigerian airlines are already struggling with high operational costs, including expensive aviation fuel and multiple charges, making the industry globally uncompetitive.

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Nigerian airlines are already operating under conditions that threaten their survival. The cost of aviation fuel and the multiple charges they pay have pushed them to a breaking point.

AON stressed that they maintain direct engagement channels with the NCAA, the industry regulator, as is standard practice worldwide. They reiterated that any individual or group disrupting airline operations or jeopardizing passenger safety based on these threats will face consequences. AON called upon relevant authorities to take note of the situation.

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We state without ambiguity that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endangers the safety of the flying public based on this particular threat will be held responsible for the consequences.