The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has challenged aviation unions over their planned warning strike, declaring that airlines will not be intimidated by what it described as threats founded on misinformation. The airline operators said they have no transactional relationship with the unions regarding the disputed Ticket Service Charges (TSC) allegedly owed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), insisting passengers should remain confident in their travel plans.
The airline operators issued the strong response after receiving what it described as numerous enquiries from worried passengers seeking clarification over reports that some aviation unions intended to disrupt flight operations. According to AON, the public deserves accurate information rather than unnecessary panic.
“We would not ordinarily dignify this with a response, but the numerous calls from anxious passengers demanding to know the fate of their travel plans leave us no choice. It is therefore on their behalf that we speak,” the association said.
The operators maintained that the unions neither represent nor speak for the NCAA on matters relating to Ticket Service Charges. Therefore, it urged those behind the planned industrial action to verify the facts with the appropriate authorities before embarking on actions capable of disrupting air travel across the country.
“We want to clearly state that the AON has no transactional relationship whatsoever with these unions on this matter. To the best of our knowledge, they do not speak for, nor on behalf of, the NCAA. Those behind these threats have been misinformed, and we urge them to seek facts from the appropriate quarters before taking any action capable of inflicting needless hardship on the travelling public,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the airline operators argued that domestic carriers are already battling severe financial pressures that threaten the sustainability of their operations. The association pointed to soaring aviation fuel costs and multiple statutory charges as major challenges confronting the sector.
According to airline operators, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has repeatedly identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges globally. It said the industry’s current challenges require constructive engagement rather than actions capable of worsening an already difficult operating environment.
“The cost of aviation fuel and the multiple charges airlines pay have pushed operators to a breaking point. Nigeria has one of the most expensive aviation charge regimes globally. This is suffocating the industry and is not the time for distractions dressed up as agitation,” AON stated.
In addition, the association stressed that it maintains direct communication channels with the NCAA on all regulatory and commercial issues affecting its members. It described this engagement as the recognised global standard between airline operators and aviation regulators, adding that discussions with the NCAA remain ongoing in good faith.
Airline operators reject union threats, insist flights will continue
AON also warned that any attempt to disrupt airline services or compromise passenger safety over the dispute would attract consequences. It called on relevant security agencies and government authorities to closely monitor the situation and prevent any unlawful interference with scheduled flight operations.
“We state without ambiguity that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endangers the safety of the flying public based on this particular threat will be held responsible for the consequences. We therefore call on the appropriate authorities to please take note,” the association declared.
The airline operators reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economy through continued investment in the aviation sector. The association said its members remain focused on delivering safe, secure and seamless air transport services despite the mounting economic pressures confronting the industry.
“AON members, as patriotic Nigerians and legitimate investors in the nation’s economy, remain fully committed to the safety and seamless travel experience of all Nigerians, and we will not be distracted by threats, misinformation or manufactured crises,” the statement concluded.
