Flight operations operated by Air Peace were disrupted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday after aviation unions picketed the airline over alleged unpaid statutory charges and restrictions on workers’ unionisation rights.
The industrial action was led by 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).
The unions reportedly barricaded access to Air Peace’s departure terminals at both airports, disrupting scheduled flights and leaving several passengers stranded.
The unions accused Air Peace of owing about ₦15 billion in Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to aviation agencies. They also alleged that the airline had prevented its employees from freely joining trade unions.
Confirming the disruption, Air Peace said its operations at the two airports were temporarily affected after protesters blocked the entrances to its departure terminals.
In a statement by its spokesman, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, the airline said access to its departure terminals at Terminal 1, comprising the Alpha and Zulu terminals, and Terminal 2 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was blocked.
He added that the airline’s terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was also affected.
“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,” Osifo-Whiskey said.
Air Peace apologised to passengers affected by the disruption, describing the situation as circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
The airline said passengers scheduled to travel later on Tuesday were being contacted and provided with updates as the situation developed.
Air Peace added that it would continue to monitor the situation and issue further updates as necessary, while appealing to affected passengers for patience and understanding.