XEJET Suspends Operations Nationwide as Ground Handlers Pull Out Over N300m Debt

XEJET Airlines has suspended flight operations nationwide after ground handling companies withdrew their services over an alleged debt of about N300 million. The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) ordered its members to stop handling the carrier, and the directive took effect on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Sources said the action has already disrupted the airline's schedule. Some passengers' checked luggage had to be transferred to another domestic airline after ground handlers pulled out.

What AGHAN Is Saying

In a joint statement signed by AGHAN President Olaniyi Adigun and Vice President Bashir Ahmed, the association said other indebted domestic airlines responded to its concerns by submitting repayment plans and making payments. XEJET, it alleged, failed to comply with the terms of its arrangement.

"As it stands, the company owes our members about N300m," the association said, adding that its directive had been fully implemented.

AGHAN said the airline's outstanding obligations had climbed to about N300 million, leaving it with little choice but to order members to stop handling its operations.

How the Debt Standoff Escalated

The withdrawal followed an earlier seven-day ultimatum AGHAN issued to domestic airlines owing ground handling companies. Under that directive, affected carriers were asked to pay at least 75% of their outstanding debts or risk having ground handling services suspended.

The planned action was suspended after some airlines submitted repayment proposals and began settling their obligations. AGHAN said XEJET failed to meet its commitments, which prompted the latest withdrawal.

The association warned that other indebted airlines could face similar action if they fail to honour agreed payment schedules. It acknowledged the difficult operating environment confronting Nigerian airlines, but argued that ground handling companies were also battling rising costs of equipment, manpower and employee welfare.

Ground handlers provide critical services to airlines, including baggage handling, aircraft loading and unloading, passenger support and other activities required for flights to operate smoothly.

XEJET Yet to Respond

AGHAN said services will remain suspended until XEJET settles its obligations or reaches an acceptable repayment agreement with the affected companies.

As of the time of reporting, XEJET had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Punch reported that calls and messages sent to the airline's spokesperson, Juliet Atikpekpe, had not received a response.

The development comes weeks after the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warned labour unions that domestic airlines may shut down flight operations across the country if any of its members is picketed again. The airline body said it would no longer tolerate what it described as unlawful interference with airline operations, following the disruption of flights by labour unions at major Nigerian airports.