The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned aviation unions against disrupting flight operations over allegations that airlines have failed to remit Ticket Service Charges (TSC) owed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The warning follows a fresh seven-day ultimatum issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), directing airline operators to settle outstanding five per cent ticket service charges payable to aviation agencies.
The unions argued that the alleged non-remittance of the charges had deprived aviation agencies of critical funding required to maintain air safety infrastructure and improve workers’ welfare.
Responding in a statement on Monday, the Airline Operators of Nigeria said it had no transactional relationship with the unions regarding the matter and questioned their involvement in issues relating to the NCAA.
According to the association, the unions had been misinformed and should seek clarification from the appropriate authorities before taking actions capable of disrupting flight operations.
AON said it was compelled to respond because of concerns from passengers seeking assurances about their travel plans.
The association stressed that discussions relating to regulatory issues are conducted directly with the NCAA through established industry channels.
The airline operators cautioned that any disruption of flight operations would impose unnecessary hardship on travellers and further strain an aviation sector already facing significant operational challenges.
AON noted that domestic airlines are operating under extremely difficult economic conditions, citing the high cost of aviation fuel and multiple regulatory charges as major factors threatening the sustainability of the industry.
The association also referenced findings by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which it said had identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges globally.
According to AON, the industry’s current financial pressures make additional disruptions particularly damaging to airlines and passengers alike.
READ MORE: NEPC Denies Strike Reports, Reaffirms Industrial Harmony
The association warned that any individual or group responsible for disrupting airline operations or endangering the safety of passengers would be held accountable for the consequences of such actions.
It also called on relevant authorities to take note of the unions’ threats and ensure that lawful flight operations continue without interference.
AON reaffirmed that its members remain committed to passenger safety, regulatory compliance and providing seamless air travel services across Nigeria.
The association added that it would continue engaging constructively with the NCAA while resisting what it described as misinformation and actions capable of creating unnecessary crises within the aviation sector.