The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned that its member airlines could suspend nationwide flight operations if labour unions again disrupt the operations of any domestic carrier through picketing.
The warning followed the disruption of Air Peace operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminals in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 11, 2026.
In a communiqué issued after its general meeting in Abuja, the association said its members had agreed to respond collectively to any repeat of the incident, which it described as unlawful interference with airline operations.
AON, which represents scheduled, cargo and charter operators, including fixed-wing and helicopter operators, said it remained united with Air Peace and other members in opposing disruptions that could affect the safety and continuity of airline operations.
The association said the August 11 action affected access to departure terminals, check-in areas, offices and other airline facilities, disrupting flights and affecting passengers at the two major airports.
According to AON, more than 70 Air Peace flights were affected, with estimated losses of over N2 billion. It added that more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were also disrupted, affecting about 13,000 passengers.
Airlines were subsequently required to rebook passengers, provide accommodation and refunds where applicable, reposition aircraft and crew, and undertake other recovery measures, the association said.
AON said the disruption occurred against the backdrop of already challenging operating conditions, including high aviation fuel costs and foreign-exchange pressures on aircraft maintenance and other aviation expenses.
The association also raised concerns about the ability of protesters to gain access to airport operational areas, saying the incident exposed vulnerabilities in airport security arrangements and the response mechanisms of Aviation Security personnel.
It alleged that some airline employees were subjected to violence during the disruption and said such incidents created risks for workers, passengers, aircraft and other airport users.
AON referenced the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annex 17 provisions on unlawful interference, arguing that disruptions capable of affecting civil aviation operations raise broader safety and security concerns.
The association said it had a zero-tolerance position on what it described as unlawful interference with airline operations, while urging relevant authorities to ensure that labour disputes are resolved without compromising airport security or disrupting passenger services.
Beyond the dispute with labour unions, AON also addressed persistent flight delays and cancellations, maintaining that airlines have little incentive to deliberately disrupt their own schedules because cancellations and delays result in financial losses, customer complaints and reputational damage.
The association identified adverse weather, inadequate aircraft parking space and congested aprons at Lagos and Abuja airports, operating restrictions at some airports, VIP movements, bird strikes, foreign object damage, aviation fuel availability and costs, air traffic-flow constraints and inadequate infrastructure among factors contributing to disruptions.
AON also called for greater airline involvement in major airport development projects. While commending the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, it said airlines should be involved early in the design and planning stages.
According to the association, greater input from airlines could help identify potential design and operational challenges and ensure that new facilities support efficient passenger and aircraft movement.
AON said the aviation industry required a secure and predictable operating environment to sustain passenger connectivity, attract investment and support the continued development of Nigeria’s air transport sector.
