Operations at Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest domestic airline, were disrupted on Monday after aviation unions shut down the carrier’s activities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, over a dispute involving the airline’s Technical Services Contract (TSC).
Members of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and other aviation workers picketed Air Peace facilities, preventing flight operations and grounding scheduled services.
The unions accused the airline of failing to resolve longstanding issues surrounding the TSC arrangement, alleging that the dispute has negatively affected workers’ welfare and employment conditions. They said repeated efforts to reach an agreement through dialogue had failed, prompting the industrial action.
The shutdown left hundreds of passengers stranded at the Lagos and Abuja airports, with numerous domestic flights delayed or cancelled. Airport terminals witnessed long queues as affected travellers sought refunds, rebooking or alternative transport arrangements.
Air Peace described the action as regrettable and apologized to passengers for the disruption. The airline said it was engaging with the unions and relevant government agencies to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible and restore normal flight operations.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is expected to mediate discussions between the parties in an effort to end the standoff and minimize further disruption to air travel.
The latest industrial action has renewed concerns about labour disputes within Nigeria’s aviation sector, where disagreements over employment conditions and operational policies have periodically affected airline services.
Passengers scheduled to travel with Air Peace have been advised to monitor the airline’s official communication channels for updates on flight schedules and possible resumption of operations as negotiations continue.
The unions said the action would remain in place until their concerns are satisfactorily addressed, while both sides expressed hope that ongoing talks would produce a swift resolution.
