BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has dismissed the planned warning strike threatened by some aviation unions over the alleged non-remittance of Ticket Service Charges (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), insisting that the unions are acting on misinformation and warning that any disruption of flight operations would only inflict hardship on passengers.
In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos, the umbrella body of domestic airlines said it was compelled to respond following numerous enquiries from worried passengers seeking clarification on whether the planned industrial action would affect scheduled flights.
AON stressed that it has no transactional relationship with the unions on the issue of Ticket Service Charges and maintained that the unions neither represent nor speak for the NCAA on the matter.
“We want to clearly state that the AON has no transactional relationship whatsoever with these unions on this matter. To the best of our knowledge, they do not speak for, nor on behalf of, the NCAA,” the association said.
It urged the unions to verify the facts directly with the aviation regulator before embarking on any action capable of disrupting air transport services across the country.
According to the airline operators, the domestic aviation industry is already facing severe financial pressures, making any unnecessary disruption even more damaging.
AON noted that Nigerian airlines are struggling with soaring aviation fuel costs and multiple taxes and charges, which it said have pushed many operators to the brink.
The association cited the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as having repeatedly identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges globally, arguing that the current operating environment is already difficult enough without additional industrial disputes.
“Nigerian airlines are already operating under conditions that threaten their survival. The cost of aviation fuel and the multiple charges they pay have pushed them to a breaking point,” AON stated.
“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has confirmed what AON has repeatedly said, which is that Nigeria has one of the most expensive aviation charges globally. This is suffocating the industry and is not the time for distractions dressed up as agitation.”
The airline operators also disclosed that they maintain established channels of communication with the NCAA to resolve issues relating to their regulatory relationship, describing such engagement as the global standard in the aviation industry.
AON said discussions with the regulator remain ongoing and are being conducted in good faith.
The association warned that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or compromises the safety of air travellers over the issue would bear responsibility for the consequences of such actions.
“We state without ambiguity that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endanger the safety of the flying public based on this particular threat will be held responsible for the consequences. We therefore call on appropriate authorities to please take note,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the industry, AON said its member airlines remain patriotic investors contributing to Nigeria’s economic development and are fully committed to providing safe and seamless air transport services.
The association pledged not to be distracted by what it described as threats, misinformation or manufactured crises, assuring passengers that operators would continue working to ensure safe and reliable flight operations.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
