Air Peace Reports Over ₦2 Billion Loss After Union Picketing as Legal Battle Looms
Nigerian airline Air Peace reported over ₦2 billion in losses from a single day of industrial action by aviation unions, which it described as unlawful and violent. The airline refuted claims of indebtedness, emphasizing ongoing discussions with the NCAA and accusing unions of selective targeting despite a court order. This incident highlights the volatile relationship between airlines and labor in Nigeria and its impact on the regional travel market.
Air Peace has reported losses exceeding ₦2 billion in a single day following the disruption of its operations by aviation unions, describing the picketing as unlawful and alleging that it violated an existing court judgment.
The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Toyin Olajide, said the action also became physical, with one female staff member reportedly injured during the confrontation. The dispute centres on the remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), with Air Peace maintaining that the matter is already subject to a regulatory framework coordinated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Olajide said the reported ₦2 billion loss does not include potential passenger compensation, refunds for cancelled flights or reputational damage arising from the disruption. She rejected claims that Air Peace alone was indebted over TSC payments, arguing that the issue involves several airlines and that an agreed arrangement exists between carriers and the NCAA for addressing outstanding obligations.
The airline also questioned why it was singled out for picketing when the matter is being handled through regulatory and legal channels.
Air Peace maintained that while workers have a constitutional right to pursue their interests, industrial action must remain within the boundaries of the law and should not endanger staff and passengers or disrupt critical aviation services.
The airline said it remains willing to work with the NCAA and other aviation authorities to resolve the dispute through dialogue, while also pursuing legal remedies over the disruption. The standoff highlights the wider challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation industry, where unresolved disputes between airlines, regulators and labour unions can quickly translate into significant financial losses and disruption for travellers.