AON Rejects Strike Threat by Aviation Unions, Says Airlines Not Owing Unions Over Ticket Service Charges
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has faulted the planned warning strike by aviation unions over the alleged non-remittance of Ticket Service Charges (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), describing the move as misguided and capable of causing avoidable disruption to air travel across the country.
The body, which represents Nigeria’s scheduled domestic airlines, said it was concerned by the threat to shut down flight operations and insisted that the dispute was being driven by misinformation rather than facts.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, AON said it would ordinarily not have responded to the unions’ threat but decided to do so because of the growing concerns among passengers who had contacted airlines to seek clarification on whether their travel plans would be affected.
The association maintained that it had no transactional relationship with the aviation unions on the issue of Ticket Service Charges and therefore questioned the basis for the proposed industrial action.
According to AON, the unions neither represent nor speak on behalf of the NCAA in matters relating to the regulatory and financial relationship between the authority and airline operators.
It urged those behind the planned strike to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities before embarking on actions that could inflict unnecessary hardship on the travelling public.
The association argued that domestic airlines were already operating in an extremely challenging environment and could ill afford further disruptions to their operations.
It noted that the rising cost of aviation fuel, multiple statutory charges and other operational expenses had continued to exert enormous pressure on airline finances, leaving many operators struggling to remain viable.
AON further referenced the International Air Transport Association (IATA), saying the global airline body had consistently identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges in the world.
It said the high cost of doing business in the country’s aviation sector was already constraining growth, reducing profitability and threatening the long-term sustainability of indigenous carriers.
The association stressed that the industry’s current challenges required constructive engagement among stakeholders rather than actions capable of worsening an already fragile operating environment.
On its relationship with the aviation regulator, AON said it maintains direct communication channels with the NCAA and that discussions on matters affecting both parties were ongoing.
It explained that such engagement reflects international best practice in the aviation industry, where airlines and regulators resolve issues through dialogue and institutional mechanisms.
The airline operators warned that any attempt to disrupt airline services or endanger the safety and security of passengers on the basis of the current allegations would attract consequences.
It therefore called on the relevant government agencies and security authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that flight operations across the country were not unlawfully interrupted.
AON also reaffirmed the commitment of its members to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the country’s economy, describing domestic airlines as legitimate investors that continue to contribute significantly to national development.
The association pledged that member airlines would remain focused on delivering safe, reliable and seamless air transport services to Nigerians despite the prevailing operational and economic challenges.
It added that it would not be distracted by what it described as threats, misinformation or attempts to create unnecessary crises within the aviation sector.
