Turkish Airlines suspends Nigeria services, leaving over 300 passengers abandoned at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. This follows Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) picketing the airline on Tuesday over a lasting dispute.
The airline, arriving in Nigeria on Tuesday afternoon, returned to Istanbul empty without notifying affected passengers. Consequently, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority vows to invoke relevant sections against Turkish Airlines for mistreating Nigerian passengers.
Turkish Airlines possibly informed Nigerian passengers of a temporary flight suspension, awaiting resolution of the crisis with the NLC. Turkish Airlines suspends Nigeria services.
Meanwhile, Mr. Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs, revealed that the regulator mediates the feud between the European carrier and aviation labor unions. According to him, Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of NCAA, initiated reconciliation moves between Turkish Airlines’ Country Manager and unions.
Achimugu stated, “The Federal Government and its agencies will spare no efforts to call to order any airline thatviolates the rightsof Nigerian passengers.”
However, the airline representative exhibited traits of impudence, which the regulator deemed as a lack of regard for the system.
Achimugu stated that the Federal Government would investigate and possibly punish the carrier for the infraction.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerian passengers and addressing any infractions by carriers.
Achimugu noted that despite the carrier’s claims of communication, some passengers still arrived at Lagos Airport.
“The NCAA is currently investigating Turkish Airlines’ inability to operate flights due to picketing by aviation unions.”
We will ensure that the rights of Nigerian passengers are not violated,” he emphasized.
The NLC alleged Turkish Airlines unjustifiably sacked seven out of 11 Nigerian staff since 2020, violating Nigerian laws. Furthermore, it appealed to the airline to reinstate affected staff, including those allegedly forced to resign under duress in 2020.
Last Tuesday, the NLC mobilized its affiliate members nationwide to picket the operations of the airline in Lagos. In a picketing notice signed by Chris Ufot, Acting General Secretary, the NLC urged affiliate unions to mobilize heavily. The NLC also placed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on standby, prepared to escalate the matter to Abuja airport.
Turkish Airlines management persisted in exterminating the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), according to the NLC. In the latest onslaught, management dismissed seven union members under trumped-up charges, without benefits, violating negotiated conditions with NUATE.
According to the NLC, the plan to get rid of the remaining four members was more provoking. It aimed to engage new staff who would be compelled not to join the union or to procure a General Sales Agent (GSA).