Domestic Airlines Reject Planned Strike Threat

Domestic airlines operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have rejected the planned industrial action threatened by aviation unions over the remittance of outstanding Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), insisting that ongoing engagements with the regulator have already produced a workable resolution.

The unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to airlines to settle outstanding statutory remittances or face industrial action.

Reacting to the threat, AON Vice Chairman, Allen Onyema, described the planned strike as unnecessary and counterproductive, noting that domestic airlines had already reached an agreement with the NCAA on a structured repayment plan for the outstanding charges.

Onyema explained that airlines had begun complying with the repayment arrangement despite the severe financial challenges confronting the industry, including high aviation fuel costs, foreign exchange constraints, and multiple taxes and charges.He urged the unions to embrace dialogue rather than industrial action, warning that any disruption to flight operations would negatively affect passengers, businesses, and the nation’s economy.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola