‘Sheathe Your Swords’ — NCAA asks Unions to Embrace Dialogue as Strike Grounds Airlines’ Operations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to unions to suspend their industrial action over the non-remittance of the 5 percent ticket service charge (TSC) by airline operators.

The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) had issued a seven-day ultimatum to airline operators to remit the outstanding the TSC owed to aviation agencies.

The unions said continued non-remittance of the charges had deprived aviation agencies of the critical funding needed to maintain the safety of Nigeria’s airspace while also affecting the welfare of workers.

In a statement on Tuesday, Chris Najomo, director-general of the NCAA, said the authority is aware of the industrial action and its impact on passengers and other stakeholders.

“The NCAA appeals to the unions to sheathe their swords and exercise restraint pending the return of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) who has been actively working towards resolving the issues,” the Najomo said.

“The matter would have been addressed at the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister last week, but the meeting could not hold as the airline operators failed to honour the invitation.”

He assured passengers that flight safety has not been compromised and that the NCAA continues to exercise its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.

“We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable,” Najomo said.

AIRLINES SUSPEND FLIGHT OPERATIONS

The action has disrupted flight operations by domestic airlines and affected access to terminals at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Air Peace, in a statement, said the action by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and ATSSSAN,  resulted in the barricading of the entrances to its departure terminals.

“The ongoing industrial action has resulted in the barricading of the entrances to our departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Alpha and Zulu Terminals) and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Terminal in Abuja,” the airline said.

“The blockade has restricted access to these terminals, preventing the departure of scheduled flights from Lagos and Abuja.

“Consequently, passengers scheduled to travel across our network have been significantly affected by the disruption to flight operations.”

Air Peace apologised to affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience, which it said were caused by circumstances beyond its control.

The airline said passengers scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted and provided with updates as the situation develops.

United Nigeria Airlines also announced the temporary suspension of its flight operations, citing the ongoing industrial action by labour unions against domestic airlines.

The airline said the decision was taken to protect the safety of passengers and crew.

“Rather than compromise on safety, we have chosen to pause operations until normalcy is restored,” the statement said.

“Affected passengers will be kept informed of updated flight schedules. In the meantime, please reach out to our customer care team for further assistance.”

Enugu Air said operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport had been temporarily suspended after union workers prevented its staff from accessing the terminal.

“Consequently, some of Enugu Air flights may experience rescheduling until further notice, we work to adjust our network,” the airline said.

Enugu Air advised passengers to check their emails, text messages and official social media pages for updates on their flights status before travelling to the airport.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. Your safety and well-being remains our highest priority,” the statement added.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had warned the aviation unions against disrupting flight operations over the dispute.

The AON said domestic airlines are already operating under conditions that threaten their survival, citing the high cost of aviation fuel and multiple charges imposed on operators.

The operators warned that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endangers the safety of the flying public based on the dispute would be held responsible for the consequences.