Airlines lost billions to aviation unions picketing
Agency Report
It was bedlam at the Lagos and Abuja airports on Tuesday as unions in the aviation industry make real their threat to ground operations of airlines over failure to remit the 5 percent Ticket Sales Charges and Cargo Sales Charges to government agencies in the sector and the refusal of airline managements to allow their workers join the unions.
Airlines mostly affected included Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier with a reported over 70 of its domestic and regional operations disrupted as the unions blocked passengers from accessing the terminals where they were billed to board their flights.
The union had sounded the alarm to enforce the demands in a public announcement on 7th August affirming that failure to meet it demands after three days will result in the disruption of flights operations.
Other airlines that had indirectly had their operations disrupted by the actions are United Nigeria Airline, which cited safety of it operation as reason for a temporary suspension on Tuesday and Enugu Air.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) barricaded entrance into the two terminals where Air Peace operated from in Lagos and also in Abuja.
Industry analysts’ estimates suggest that the disruption caused by the aviation unions’ picketing may have cost affected airlines several hundreds of millions of naira in lost revenue, refunds, passenger compensation, operational disruptions and reputational damage, with the final figure likely to become clearer once operators release details of cancelled flights and affected passengers.
The NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Ona Najomo had earlier appealed to the unions to sheathe their swords and exercise restraint pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who has been actively working towards resolving the issues.
“The matter would have been addressed at the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister last week, but the meeting could not be held as the airline operators failed to honor the invitation.”
The NCAA assures the travelling public that flight safety remains uncompromised and that the Authority 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.
The NCAA regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and appreciates their patience and understanding.” He said in an appeal to the union.
