The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has threatened to suspend all domestic airline operations nationwide if labour unions disrupt the activities of any of its member airlines through picketing.
The association said the decision was reached at its general meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following the disruption of flight operations at major Nigerian airports by aviation labour unions in August.
In a communiqué released on Monday, the AON declared its solidarity with Air Peace and other member airlines, warning that it would not tolerate what it described as unlawful interference with airline operations and aviation safety.
The threat follows the August 11 disruption of Air Peace operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals 1 and 2 in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Labour unions reportedly blocked access to departure terminals, accusing airline operators of owing Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) and preventing workers from joining unions.
The AON said the incident exposed serious vulnerabilities in airport security arrangements and the response mechanisms of Aviation Security (AVSEC), calling for an immediate review and overhaul of security procedures at airports across the country.
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AON cites safety concerns and financial losses
The association also alleged that some union members had engaged in violence against airline personnel, resulting in physical injuries to staff.
It described the reported incidents as violations of operators’ rights to a safe and secure business environment, warning that such actions could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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Referencing Annex 17 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which addresses aviation security and unlawful interference, the AON argued that the August 11 disruption constituted a breach of aviation safety and security regulations, with potential implications for the country’s international aviation reputation.
The association stated that it remained committed to protecting employees, passengers and aircraft while maintaining safety and operational standards despite the difficult business environment facing Nigerian airlines.
It warned that any repeat of the August incident involving a domestic airline would trigger an immediate shutdown of operations by all AON member airlines.
The body further condemned what it described as the growing use of unions to threaten, harass and intimidate Nigerian airlines, characterising such actions as illegal and unconstitutional.
According to the association, the August disruption resulted in substantial financial losses for affected operators, with Air Peace alone reporting that more than 70 flights were affected, resulting in estimated losses exceeding ₦2 billion.
United Nigeria Airlines also reportedly had more than 30 flights disrupted, affecting approximately 13,000 passengers based on the aircraft and flight sectors scheduled for that day.
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The AON said affected airlines incurred additional expenses from passenger rebooking, hotel accommodation, refunds, crew repositioning, aircraft rescheduling and other recovery measures.
It noted that these financial burdens came at a time when operators were already grappling with high aviation fuel prices, foreign-exchange-related aircraft maintenance costs and other operational challenges.
Although the industrial action was concentrated mainly at the Lagos and Abuja airports, the association said its impact extended to domestic, regional and international routes because both airports serve as major hubs connecting airlines’ wider networks.
AON warns of declining investor confidence
The association also expressed concern that the disruption could undermine investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
It said the ease with which airline operations could be brought to a standstill had reportedly prompted aircraft lessors, who had recently begun showing renewed interest in the Nigerian market, to reconsider potential investments.
The AON warned that repeated disruptions could make it more difficult for domestic airlines to attract investment and secure aircraft leasing arrangements needed to expand their operations.
Airlines explain causes of flight delays and cancellations
Beyond the dispute with labour unions, the association addressed concerns over flight delays and cancellations, insisting that airlines had no financial or reputational interest in disrupting their own schedules.
It said many of the factors responsible for delays and cancellations in Nigeria were outside the control of airline operators.
Among the major challenges identified were adverse weather conditions, insufficient aircraft parking space due to congested airport aprons in Lagos and Abuja, sunset airport restrictions, VIP movements, frequent bird strikes and foreign object damage.
Other factors cited included the rising cost and unavailability of aviation fuel, inefficient air traffic flow and inadequate airport infrastructure.
The association maintained that these operational difficulties continued to place significant pressure on airlines, contributing to scheduling challenges and additional costs.
AON seeks airlines’ involvement in Lagos airport upgrade
The AON also acknowledged ongoing construction and rehabilitation works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, commending the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for their efforts to upgrade airport facilities.
However, it urged the authorities to involve airline operators at the early stages of infrastructure planning and development.
According to the association, airlines are key stakeholders whose operational experience and technical input could help ensure that airport designs support efficient passenger movement, aircraft operations and overall functionality.
It warned that excluding operators from the planning process could result in design shortcomings that may affect airport efficiency in the future.
The association said early consultation with airlines would help identify potential problems and improve the functionality and operational flow of upgraded airport facilities.
The latest warning places the aviation industry at the centre of a growing dispute over labour relations, airport security and the financial pressures confronting domestic operators, with a potential nationwide shutdown threatening to disrupt air travel if another major confrontation occurs.
