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The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that its member airlines could suspend nationwide flight operations if labour unions disrupt the activities of any domestic carrier through picketing.
The warning followed a resolution reached at the association’s general meeting held in Abuja on September 22, 2026.
In a communiqué issued on Monday, AON said it remained united with Air Peace and other member airlines in opposing what it described as unlawful interference with airline operations and safety.
The association was reacting to the August 11 disruption of Air Peace operations by labour unions at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals 1 and 2 in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The unions had accused AON member airlines of owing Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and preventing aviation workers from joining trade unions.
AON said the incident exposed weaknesses in airport security arrangements and called for an immediate review of security procedures and response mechanisms by Aviation Security (AVSEC) authorities.
The association also alleged that there had been instances of violence against airline employees during union activities, describing such incidents as a threat to the safety of personnel, passengers and aviation operations.
According to AON, the August 11 disruption affected more than 70 Air Peace flights, with the airline estimating losses of over N2 billion. More than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were also affected, impacting about 13,000 passengers.
The association said airlines incurred additional costs from rebooking passengers, providing accommodation, processing refunds, repositioning crew and rescheduling aircraft.
AON noted that although the disruption occurred mainly in Lagos and Abuja, its impact extended to domestic, regional and international operations because both airports serve as major hubs for the country’s aviation network.
The association warned that repeated disruptions could also affect investor confidence and discourage aircraft lessors from committing further resources to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
AON also appealed to passengers to understand that flight delays and cancellations are not always caused by airlines, noting that carriers also suffer significant financial and reputational losses when operations are disrupted.
It listed adverse weather, congested airport aprons, sunset restrictions, VIP movements, bird strikes, foreign object damage, fuel availability and costs, inefficient air traffic flow and inadequate airport infrastructure among factors that contribute to delays and cancellations.
The association commended the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for ongoing rehabilitation and construction work at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
However, it urged the authorities to involve airlines from the early stages of airport development and redesign projects, arguing that their input would help improve functionality and prevent design problems that could affect operations in the future.
