Nigeria’s domestic airlines have threatened to shut down operations nationwide if aviation unions stage another disruption against any carrier.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria issued the warning after its general meeting in Abuja, following the August 11 industrial action that disrupted flights at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The News Chronicle reports that the association described the disruption as unlawful interference, warning that another shutdown at either airport could cripple domestic air travel because of their importance to airline operations.
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The unions involved included NUATE, ATSSSAN and NAAPE, backed by the NLC and TUC. They had picketed Air Peace facilities over issues including alleged non remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and unionisation.
AON said more than 70 Air Peace flights were disrupted, causing losses estimated at over N2 billion, while about 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were also affected, disrupting travel for approximately 13,000 passengers.
The association said airlines also incurred additional costs from refunds, rebooking, accommodation, crew repositioning and aircraft scheduling.
It urged authorities to strengthen airport security and prevent future industrial actions from obstructing airline operations.
