Flight operations were disrupted at major airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday as aviation workers’ unions picketed domestic airlines over unresolved labour demands.
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) blocked access to some airport terminals, leaving several passengers stranded and forcing airlines to suspend or alter scheduled flights.
The unions are protesting issues relating to the unionisation of workers in domestic airlines and the payment of statutory charges to the aviation regulatory authorities.
The development affected operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Reacting to the situation, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.
The authority said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had been working to resolve the dispute and appealed to all parties to await his return.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo.
The NCAA said the issues could have been discussed at a meeting convened by the minister the previous week, but the engagement could not take place after airline operators failed to attend.
The regulatory authority assured passengers that aviation safety had not been compromised, adding that it remained committed to carrying out its statutory safety oversight functions.
The NCAA expressed confidence that the dispute would be resolved soon and normal flight operations restored.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines announced a temporary suspension of its flights, citing the industrial action by the unions.
The airline said it opted to halt operations rather than compromise the safety of passengers and crew, assuring affected travellers that they would be updated as new flight schedules were determined.
Air Peace also reported disruptions to its operations following the picketing of its facilities by the unions.
The airline said entrances to its departure terminals at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, including the Alpha and Zulu terminals, as well as Terminal 2 in Lagos, were barricaded.
It added that access to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport terminal in Abuja was also restricted, preventing scheduled flights from departing.
Air Peace apologised to passengers affected by the disruption, describing the situation as beyond its control.
The airline said passengers scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted with updates, while it continued to monitor developments.
It assured travellers that further information would be provided as the situation evolves.
