Air Peace Flights Disrupted in Lagos, Abuja as Labour Unions Picket Airline

By Benson Daniel

Flight operations of Air Peace have been disrupted in Lagos and Abuja following an industrial action by aviation labour unions, leaving passengers stranded and causing delays to scheduled services.

The unions picketed Air Peace facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as part of the ongoing labour action.

In Abuja, passengers scheduled to travel on Air Peace flights from the early hours of Tuesday were prevented from boarding, while access to the airline’s operations at the Lagos airport was also disrupted after union officials shut the entrance to its designated terminal area.

The action has affected the movement of passengers and disrupted the airline’s flight schedule, creating uncertainty for travellers who had planned to use the carrier for domestic and international journeys.

The unions’ grievances reportedly centre on allegations that Air Peace has failed to remit ticket sales charges to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, as well as concerns over the rights of workers to belong to and operate through recognised trade unions.

The Ticket Sales Charge is an aviation levy collected through ticket sales and remitted to relevant aviation authorities. Disputes over the remittance of such charges have become a major issue in the latest confrontation between the unions and the airline.

The labour action is being supported by major labour centres, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, as unions seek to pressure the airline to address the issues raised.

The disruption comes at a time when domestic air travel remains an important component of Nigeria’s transportation system, particularly for business travellers and passengers moving between major commercial centres.

For affected passengers, the action has resulted in missed journeys, delays and uncertainty over alternative travel arrangements. Some travellers have been forced to remain at the airports while waiting for information on when normal flight operations will resume.

The development could also have wider implications for the aviation industry if the dispute continues, given Air Peace’s extensive domestic network and its significant role in connecting Nigerian cities.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has intervened in the dispute, appealing to the aviation unions to suspend the industrial action and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving the outstanding issues.

The regulatory authority’s intervention is aimed at preventing further disruption to air transportation and protecting passengers from prolonged inconvenience.

The latest development also highlights the importance of resolving disputes within the aviation sector without allowing disagreements between employers, workers and regulatory agencies to significantly affect passengers.

While labour unions have maintained their concerns over the issues surrounding the airline, continued negotiations are expected to determine the next steps and whether operations can return to normal.

Industry stakeholders are watching the situation closely, particularly because prolonged disruption could affect passenger confidence, airline revenues and the wider aviation supply chain.

For now, travellers booked on Air Peace flights have been advised to monitor developments and obtain updates from the airline regarding the status of their scheduled services as discussions continue between the relevant parties.