*The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority confirms the strike by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and Trade Union Congress disrupts flight operations at airports across the country
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has assured the travelling public that flight safety remains uncompromised, and that the Authority continues to discharge its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
ConsumerConnect reports the strike by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has disrupted flight operations.
The aviation workers are protesting over reported unmet demands from domestic airlines.
Subsequently, passengers were left stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the industrial action takes toll flight operations in the country’s industry.
It was also gathered that the industrial action, which grounded several flight schedules, is linked to the unions’ demands concerning workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
Reacting to the reported disruption to flight operations, the NCAA appealed to the unions to sheathe their swords and exercise restraint pending “the return” of Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Honourable Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, who has been working towards resolving the issues, report said.
Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation of NCAA, in a statement emphasised that issues with the workers could have been addressed at a meeting convened by the Minister last wee.
Najomo, however, said that did not happen because the meeting could not hold us to failure of the airline operators to honour the invitation extended to them.
The statement noted: “We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation.
“We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable.”
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines has announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations.
The aviation firm cited the industrial action embarked upon by Labour unions against domestic airlines.
The airline said the decision was taken to protect the safety of its passengers and crew, “which remains our priority at all times.”
The airline also said: “Rather than compromise on safety, we have chosen to pause operations until normalcy is restored.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your understanding.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will resume full operations once the situation normalises.”
It added that affected passengers would be kept informed of updated flight schedules and advised them to contact its customer care team for further assistance.
Likewise, Air Peace has announced a temporary disruption to its flight operations, following the picketing of its airline and the ongoing industrial action by the unions.
The indigenous airline reportedly stated: “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 blockade has restricted access to these terminals, preventing the departure of scheduled flights from Lagos and Abuja.”
It noted: “Consequently, passengers scheduled to travel across our network have been significantly affected by the disruption to flight operations.
“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control.”
The airline said: “Passengers scheduled to travel later today are being contacted and provided with relevant updates as the situation evolves.
“Air Peace continues to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as necessary.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers as we navigate this situation.”