AON Warns Labour Unions: Domestic Airlines Will Shut Down If Picketing Continues

Nigeria's domestic airlines may shut down flight operations nationwide if labour unions picket any member airline again. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) issued the warning in a communiqué after its general meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

The warning 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 blocked access to departure terminals during a protest over alleged unpaid Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) and concerns over workers' unionisation.

AON's position

The association said it stands firmly with Air Peace and other member airlines against actions that could threaten the safety of passengers, workers and aircraft.

It declared: "To this end, therefore, the AON would like to state in unequivocal terms that 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 AON said it would no longer tolerate what it described as unlawful interference with airline operations.

Losses from the August disruption

Air Peace alone recorded more than 70 affected flights and estimated losses of over N2 billion. United Nigeria Airlines had more than 30 flights disrupted, affecting about 13,000 passengers.

Airlines were forced to rebook passengers, provide accommodation, issue refunds, reposition crew and reschedule aircraft. Those extra costs hit operators already dealing with high fuel and foreign exchange-related maintenance expenses.

The AON said the disruption went beyond Lagos and Abuja because both airports serve as major hubs connecting passengers to other destinations across Nigeria. It warned that similar action in future could have an even wider impact on domestic air travel.

Security and investor confidence

According to the AON, the incident exposed major weaknesses in airport security and emergency response procedures. The association called for an immediate review of security arrangements at airports, particularly the response of Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel to disruptions.

It also alleged that some union members had assaulted airline workers, describing such incidents as a serious threat to a safe operating environment.

The operators expressed concern that airport disruptions could weaken investor confidence in Nigeria's aviation industry. Aircraft lessors that had recently shown interest in the Nigerian market could reconsider their plans because of concerns over how easily airline operations can be disrupted, the AON said.

The association also pushed back against criticism over frequent flight delays and cancellations. It said airlines have no financial interest in deliberately delaying or cancelling flights because such disruptions cause significant revenue losses and damage their reputation. Many delays and cancellations in Nigeria are caused by factors outside airlines' control, it maintained.

What it means for travellers and airlines

A shutdown by AON member airlines would ground domestic travel across the country, hitting passengers and businesses that depend on air links. For airlines, the standoff adds another layer of risk on top of fuel and foreign exchange pressures. The warning signals that the dispute between operators and labour unions is far from settled.