TSC crisis: Aviation unions threaten to picket defaulting airlines

Nigeria’s aviation sector could be heading for another round of industrial action as two major aviation unions have threatened to begin picketing airlines accused of withholding billions of naira in statutory Ticket Sales Charges (TSCs).

The unions said the action could commence “anytime from now” following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the affected airlines on August 3, 2026. The notice came after an earlier 14-day ultimatum failed to secure compliance.

The position of the unions was contained in a joint statement signed by the General Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Frances Akinjole, and the Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Odinaka Igbokwe.

According to the unions, the airlines have continued to collect statutory levies from passengers on behalf of government aviation agencies but have failed to remit the funds as required by law.

However, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) dismissed the threat, stating that it has no transactional relationship with the unions and warning that any attempt to disrupt airline operations would have serious consequences.

The operators said they would ordinarily not respond to what they described as “misinformed threats,” but decided to clarify their position because of growing concerns among passengers about the possible impact on scheduled flights.

Ticket Sales Charges are deducted from every passenger’s airfare to fund the operations of key aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The unions argued that the continued failure of some airlines to remit the charges is undermining the financial sustainability of critical aviation services, including safety oversight, air navigation, accident investigation, weather forecasting, manpower development, and other essential functions that support the industry.

They maintained that all efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue had been exhausted, insisting that the issue extends beyond financial obligations to the safety of the aviation sector and the welfare of its workforce.

“The expiration of the seven-day ultimatum, coming after the earlier 14-day notice, has shown that these airlines are deliberately refusing to do what is right,” the statement read.

“They collected this money from passengers on behalf of government aviation agencies, yet they have chosen to withhold it despite repeated appeals.

“It has become crystal clear that these airlines have decided to siphon funds meant for the smooth running of Nigeria’s aviation industry to the detriment of our collective safety and well-being.”

Describing the situation as unacceptable, the unions said airlines that fail to meet their statutory remittance obligations should not be allowed to operate alongside compliant carriers.

They warned that they were prepared to shut down the operations of the affected airlines at airports across the country.

“It is now established that these pilfering airlines are unfit to remain in our skies while responsible and patriotic operators continue to meet their obligations,” the statement added.

“In safeguarding the interests of airport workers and, more importantly, the safety of the flying public, our unions have decided to stop the operations of these defaulting airlines in our airports anytime from now, without any further notice.”

The unions insisted that the planned action is aimed at protecting the travelling public by ensuring that funds designated for Nigeria’s aviation regulatory and safety infrastructure are remitted promptly.