Air Peace Flights Grounded in Lagos, Abuja as Unions Shut Terminals Over ₦25bn Claim

Air Peace flight operations were thrown into disruption on Tuesday after aviation labour unions shut down parts of the airline’s operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, leaving passengers stranded and triggering a fresh labour dispute in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) reportedly commenced the industrial action in the early hours of Tuesday by picketing Air Peace facilities at the two airports.

The action disrupted access to areas serving Air Peace passengers, with early-morning flights reportedly delayed or cancelled. Some passengers scheduled to travel from about 6:30 a.m. were left waiting at the airports amid uncertainty over the status of their flights.

Travellers described long queues, confusion and difficulties obtaining timely information as the dispute unfolded. The disruption also reportedly affected flights connecting with other destinations, adding to the difficulties faced by passengers with onward travel arrangements.

The unions said their action was driven by two major grievances against Air Peace: alleged restrictions on workers joining trade unions and alleged failure to remit the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge collected from passengers.

The labour groups claim that outstanding remittances have accumulated into billions of naira, with figures cited in the dispute ranging between ₦15 billion and ₦25 billion. The unions argue that the money is required to be remitted for the benefit of relevant aviation agencies and are demanding that the alleged arrears be addressed.

The unions have also accused Air Peace of restricting its employees from exercising their right to belong to trade unions. They maintain that workers should be free to choose whether or not to participate in organised labour.

The dispute took another turn when groups of Air Peace employees reportedly rejected the union action and publicly distanced themselves from the picketing.

Some workers argued that the unions were not acting in their interest, pointing to what they described as regular salary payments and welfare benefits provided by the airline since its establishment.

The employees reportedly cited health maintenance organisation coverage and other welfare provisions while insisting that union membership is voluntary.

They also invoked the constitutional right to freedom of association, arguing that individual employees should be allowed to decide whether to join a union.

There were reports of confrontations between some union members and Air Peace employees who opposed the industrial action. Allegations that some workers were assaulted during the dispute have also circulated, although such claims require independent confirmation.

Videos circulating online also appeared to show Air Peace vehicles positioned around operational areas at the Lagos airport during the confrontation, although the circumstances surrounding the vehicles’ presence and their purpose were not immediately clear.

The disruption left passengers bearing the immediate consequences of the dispute, with travellers reporting delays, cancellations and uncertainty over alternative arrangements.

Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s major domestic airlines, apologised to affected passengers and said it was working to manage the disruption. The airline reportedly began contacting passengers booked on later flights regarding possible rebooking options while appealing for patience.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) urged the unions to suspend the industrial action and return to dialogue with the airline and relevant authorities.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also monitored developments at the affected airports and indicated that general airport operations continued.

Authorities stressed that flight safety had not been compromised despite the disruption.

The dispute has once again drawn attention to longstanding tensions within Nigeria’s aviation industry over statutory charges, regulatory obligations, labour representation and the financial pressures facing airlines.

The unions maintain that their demands are aimed at protecting workers’ rights and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, while some Air Peace employees insist that the labour groups do not represent their position.

As negotiations and interventions continue, the immediate concern remains the thousands of passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.

Travellers booked on Air Peace flights have been advised to confirm their flight status through the airline’s official communication channels before travelling to the airport and to monitor announcements concerning cancellations, delays and rebooking arrangements.

The duration of the disruption will depend on the outcome of discussions between the airline, labour unions and relevant aviation authorities.

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