Domestic airlines operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have warned they may shut down flights nationwide if aviation unions disrupt any member airline’s operations again.
The warning follows the disruption of Air Peace flights in Lagos and Abuja on August 11, which AON said seriously affected operations at both airports.
The association issued the warning in a communique after its General Meeting in Abuja on Monday.
AON criticised what it described as “violent disruptive action” by aviation unions, saying the August 11 protest halted activities at Terminals 1 and 2 of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
It alleged that union members blocked access to Air Peace’s departure terminals, check-in counters, offices and other work areas.
The dispute partly centres on statutory payments to government agencies. Airlines have pushed back against some payments, but unions say non-payment could affect aviation safety. Unions also accused some airlines of preventing workers from joining labour groups.
AON said the disruption went beyond a labour dispute as it affected passengers, airline staff and airport security, claiming some workers were injured.
Passengers were also affected, with flights cancelled or delayed, leaving many stranded and forcing airlines to rebook, arrange accommodation and issue refunds.
According to AON, over 70 Air Peace flights were disrupted, causing estimated losses of over N2bn, while over 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were affected, impacting about 13,000 passengers.
The operators said they incurred extra costs from repositioning aircraft and crew and rescheduling flights, at a time when airlines are already grappling with high aviation fuel prices and maintenance costs.
“Should the events of August 11, 2026, repeat themselves again against any domestic airline, the entire AON member airlines will immediately shut down operations,” the communique stated.
AON also raised concerns about airport security and referenced ICAO’s Annex 17 on unlawful interference, warning the incident could have implications for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
It attributed flight delays and cancellations to weather, congested parking at Lagos and Abuja airports, restricted hours at secondary airports, VIP movements, bird strikes, fuel shortages and inadequate infrastructure.
The association said Jet A1 now sells for over N2,500 per litre and remains scarce at some airports.
While commending reconstruction work at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, AON urged authorities to involve airlines in the design process.
