Max Air Grounded as AGHAN Withdraws Services Over N1 Billion Debt
By Aboki Forex —
The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has pulled its services from Max Air, citing unpaid debts estimated at N1 billion. The action, which took effect on Thursday, caused widespread disruptions to the airline’s domestic flight operations across the country.
AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun said the decision followed Max Air’s refusal to engage in reconciliation talks. While other indebted airlines have opened discussions and are moving toward repayment agreements, Max Air remained unresponsive.
“We took the decisive action on Max Air today because the airline refused to negotiate with us,” Adigun said. “While the other debtor airlines are negotiating with us, Max Air has blatantly refused to negotiate with the handling companies.”
He added that some of the other debtor airlines are on the verge of signing Memoranda of Understanding with AGHAN members on debt repayment. “This action should serve as a signal to other airlines that ground handling companies can no longer continue to provide services without payment,” he said.
AGHAN clarified that the suspension will not affect Max Air’s Hajj operations, as handling charges for pilgrimage flights are paid directly by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Investigations show that Max Air’s debt is owed to two major ground handling firms: Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO). The total amount is estimated at about N1 billion.
The development comes after months of friction between ground handling companies and several airlines over rising unpaid service charges. AGHAN had earlier threatened to impose service suspension on defaulting carriers, initially fixing May 1 as the enforcement date. That action was halted in observance of Workers’ Day and to maintain industrial harmony.
The association later issued a fresh three-day ultimatum, demanding reconciliation of accounts and clear repayment plans from affected airlines. It warned that continued non-payment is placing severe financial pressure on ground handling firms and threatening the sustainability of critical aviation support services.
“The ground handling companies can no longer continue to shoulder the burden of providing services without payment,” the association said.
As of press time, Max Air has not issued any official statement on the withdrawal of services or responded to requests for comment.