The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned aviation unions against disrupting flight operations over allegations that airlines have failed to remit five per cent Ticket Service Charges (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to Channels Television, 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), demanding that airline operators settle the outstanding charges owed to aviation agencies.
The unions argued that the continued non-remittance of the charges has deprived aviation agencies of funds needed to maintain the safety of Nigeria’s airspace and has also affected workers’ welfare.
In a statement issued on Monday, however, the AON rejected the allegations and said it has no transactional relationship with the unions on the matter. The association maintained that the unions do not speak for the NCAA and urged them to verify the facts before taking actions that could disrupt air travel.
The AON said it was compelled to respond because of concerns raised by passengers seeking clarification on the status of their travel plans.
The association also stated that Nigerian airlines are already operating under severe financial pressure due to the high cost of aviation fuel and multiple industry charges.
It added that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has previously identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges globally, warning that additional disruptions would further strain the industry.
The airline operators stressed that they maintain direct engagement with the NCAA on regulatory matters and said discussions with the aviation regulator are ongoing in good faith.
AON further warned that anyone who disrupts airline operations or compromises passenger safety over the dispute would be held responsible for the consequences.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and seamless air travel, stating that it would not be distracted by what it described as threats, misinformation or manufactured crises.
