AIR PEACE APOLOGISES AS UNIONS DISRUPT LAGOS, ABUJA FLIGHTS
Air Peace has apologised to passengers following disruptions to its flight operations in Lagos and Abuja after aviation unions picketed the airline’s terminals.
The disruption affected operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, leaving some scheduled flights unable to depart as planned.
According to Air Peace, members of organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), barricaded entrances to its departure terminals.
In Lagos, the blockade affected the airline’s operations at Terminal 1, including the Alpha and Zulu terminals, as well as Terminal 2. Access to its terminal in Abuja was also disrupted.
Air Peace said the industrial action significantly affected passengers travelling across its network and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.
The action is linked to wider disputes between aviation unions and airlines over alleged anti-union practices and the remittance of mandatory ticket sales charges to aviation authorities.
The unions have demanded that airline workers be allowed to belong to unions of their choice without intimidation or victimisation. They are also seeking the payment of outstanding ticket sales charge revenues.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria and aviation unions have been engaged in discussions over the issues, with the unions previously issuing an ultimatum to affected airlines.
The latest disruption has renewed concerns about the impact of industrial disputes on Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly the potential consequences for passengers and domestic airline operations.
Air Peace appealed to affected passengers for understanding and said it remained committed to restoring normal operations as soon as possible.
