Airlines Dismiss Unions’ 14-Day Ultimatum Over Unremitted TSC, Cite Ongoing Repayment Plan

Domestic airlines have flatly rejected the 14-day ultimatum issued by two major aviation unions over the non-remittance of Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), insisting that the labour groups have no authority to dictate payment terms or disrupt operations.

The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) had jointly given the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) a two-week deadline to remit the outstanding TSC, warning of industrial action if the demand was not met.

But a senior source within the AON, who spoke to *Daily Sun* on condition of anonymity, said the unions are overstepping their bounds. According to the source, the dispute, if any, is between the airlines and the NCAA, not between the operators and labour unions.

“These unions do not speak for the NCAA or any of the agencies, unless they are telling us otherwise,” the source said. “It is very curious that a group of people who are not a party to a business transaction would start issuing threats to disrupt operations. They are not a party to any commercial relationship with the airlines, and they are not acting on behalf of the government.”

*Daily Sun* gathered that before the unions issued their ultimatum, the AON had already held a meeting with NCAA management. At that meeting, both parties agreed that airlines would pay 10 percent of the outstanding TSC upfront, with the balance to be cleared in installments.

Some airlines have already begun remitting the agreed percentage, while others are in the process of making payments, the source confirmed.

The source argued that any industrial action triggered by the ultimatum would be unlawful, given that the repayment framework was negotiated directly with the regulator, not with the unions.

“The airlines have already engaged directly with the NCAA and reached an understanding on a structured repayment plan. That process is ongoing. We will resist any attempt by third parties who have no contractual or statutory relationship with us to disrupt our operations,” the source added.

Beyond the TSC issue, the source painted a grim picture of the financial strain on domestic carriers. Nigerian airlines, the source said, are already burdened with multiple charges, levies, and taxes payable to the NCAA and other agencies, on top of skyrocketing fuel costs.

“Nigerian airlines are suffocating and practically gasping for breath,” the source said. “Yet, instead of showing empathy, they are being threatened with disruption of their operations.”

The operators have called for understanding and a collaborative approach, stressing that the ongoing repayment plan demonstrates their commitment to meeting their obligations, without external interference.

As the standoff continues, the industry watches to see whether the unions will follow through on their threat or whether the NCAA will step in to clarify its position. For now, the airlines are standing firm, banking on the repayment agreement they say was reached in good faith with the regulator.