Air Peace has disclosed that it lost more than N2 billion in revenue following Wednesday’s picketing of its operations by aviation unions at airports in Lagos and Abuja.
The industrial action followed a three-day ultimatum issued on August 7 by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
The unions are demanding the remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and an end to what they described as the continued refusal by some airlines to allow workers to unionise freely.
After the issues remained unresolved, the unions, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), commenced picketing at Air Peace’s operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, said on Wednesday that the airline would hold the unions responsible for any compensation claims arising from the disruption.
Speaking at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos, Olajide called on the Federal Government, security agencies, airport authorities and aviation regulators to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.
She said the disruption caused significant financial losses estimated at more than N2 billion and affected thousands of passengers.
According to her, some Air Peace employees were also allegedly assaulted while protesting the disruption, including a female worker who was reportedly left with injuries.
Olajide questioned how individuals were able to gain access to restricted airport areas and disrupt flight operations, describing airports as sensitive national assets that should be adequately protected.
She also said the incident had raised concerns among Air Peace’s international partners and aircraft lessors, potentially affecting confidence in Nigeria’s aviation business environment.
The COO further alleged that the picketing violated existing laws and a Federal High Court judgment obtained on April 26, 2024, by Air Peace employees against the NLC, TUC, NUATE, the Inspector-General of Police and other unions.
She said the judgment held that it was unlawful and unconstitutional for the unions to use coercion, directly or indirectly, to compel Air Peace employees to join their organisations against their will.
