Lagos, Abuja Airports: Air Peace Flights Hit by Labour Protest

Lagos, Abuja Airports: Air Peace Flights Hit by Labour Protest
Disrupt Flights Over ₦15bn Statutory Charges
Passengers scheduled to travel later on Tuesday were being contacted and provided with updates as the situation developed.

Flight operations were disrupted at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday after aviation unions picketed Air Peace over alleged non-remittance of statutory charges and restrictions on workers’ unionisation rights.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the industrial action, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), reportedly blocked access to Air Peace’s departure terminals, leaving several passengers stranded.

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The unions accused the airline of owing about ₦15 billion in Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to aviation agencies and alleged that the carrier had prevented its employees from freely joining trade unions.

Confirming the disruption, Air Peace said the protest temporarily affected its operations at the 2 airports after protesters barricaded the entrances to its departure terminals.

In a statement by its spokesman, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, the airline said the entrances to its departure terminals at Terminal 1, comprising the Alpha and Zulu terminals, and Terminal 2 at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, as well as its terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were blocked.

Air Peace Passengers Stranded — Air Peace Passengers

“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.

The airline apologised to passengers affected by the disruption, describing the situation as circumstances beyond its control.

“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control,” he said.

According to the airline, passengers scheduled to travel later on Tuesday were being contacted and provided with updates as the situation developed.

Air Peace said it would continue to monitor the situation and issue further updates when necessary, while appealing to passengers for patience and understanding.