Aviation Unions Ground Air Peace Operations Over Anti-Union Policies and Unpaid Charges
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Massive passenger disruptions has hit major Nigerian airports today as aviation unions completely shut down operations of Nigeria’s biggest domestic carrier —Air Peace—flight operations in Lagos and Abuja.
The joint industrial action has left thousands of passengers stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Why Unions Shut Down Air Peace Operations
The shutdown is led by a coalition of major aviation unions: National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC)
The unions are alleging anti-union practices and victimization and termination of workers trying to unionize.
The also alleged Air Peace failed to remit the mandatory 5% Ticket Sales Charge to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to the unions and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), withholding these regulatory funds cripples safety agencies. They also say it blocks the implementation of negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for workers.
Unions are warning that prolonged non-payment creates severe operational hazards, calling it “an accident waiting to happen.”
The blockade follows an expired three-day grace period that extended an initial August 4, 2026, strike notice.
Air Peace Reacts to Flight Disruptions
Air Peace Management has released an official statement confirming the disruptions, apologizing to stranded travelers for the terminal blockade.
“The ongoing industrial action has resulted in the barricading of the entrances to our departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Alpha and Zulu Terminals) and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Terminal in Abuja,” the airline stated.
The airline confirmed that the blockades have completely restricted access to departure gates, halting all scheduled flights from Lagos and Abuja.
Air Peace apologized to stranded travellers and noted that passengers scheduled to fly later today are being contacted with updates.
