Airlines Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Union Disruptions

Domestic carriers under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have warned they will shut down operations nationwide if aviation unions again disrupt the activities of any member airline.

The warning follows the August 11, 2026 picketing of Air Peace flights in Lagos and Abuja, which brought operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals 1 and 2 and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to a halt.

Union members reportedly blocked access to departure terminals, check-in counters, and offices, leaving passengers stranded and forcing airlines to cancel or reschedule flights.

According to AON, Air Peace alone had over 70 flights affected, with losses estimated at more than ₦2 billion, while United Nigeria Airlines saw over 30 flights disrupted, impacting about 13,000 passengers.

The association said the incident also led to violence against airline staff and exposed weaknesses in airport security.

In a communiqué issued after its general meeting in Abuja, AON stated: “Should the events of August 11, 2026, repeat themselves against any domestic airline, the entire AON member airlines will immediately shut down operations.”