Nigerian Airlines Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Airport Picketing
Nigerian airlines have threatened to suspend flight operations nationwide if labour unions stage another picket that disrupts the activities of any domestic carrier. The Airline Operators of Nigeria said the decision followed the disruption of flights at Lagos and Abuja airports on August 11, which it said exposed weaknesses in airport security and caused significant financial losses.
The August action affected more than 70 Air Peace flights, with the airline estimating losses of over N2 billion, while more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were also disrupted. Airlines incurred additional costs from refunds, rebooking, passenger accommodation, crew repositioning and changes to flight schedules, with the disruption extending beyond Lagos and Abuja because of their roles as major domestic aviation hubs.
The operators said another shutdown could further undermine an industry already dealing with high aviation fuel prices, foreign exchange pressures and rising aircraft maintenance costs. They also identified weather, airport congestion, bird strikes, air traffic restrictions, fuel availability and inadequate infrastructure among the factors contributing to delays and cancellations.
The association is calling for stronger airport security measures and greater airline involvement in the planning and rehabilitation of airport facilities. The warning means another confrontation between labour unions and airlines could have consequences far beyond the parties involved, potentially disrupting passenger travel and commercial activity across Nigeria.
