Passengers were left stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday as aviation unions disrupted flight operations over demands concerning workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.

The industrial action involves members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), with several domestic flight schedules affected.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to the unions to suspend the action and embrace dialogue pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has been working to resolve the dispute.

In a statement signed by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA said the issues could have been addressed at a meeting convened by the minister last week. However, the meeting could not hold after airline operators failed to honour the invitation.

The authority assured travellers that flight safety had not been compromised and that it remained committed to carrying out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.

The NCAA urged all parties to embrace dialogue, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved and normal flight operations restored as soon as practicable.

Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations, citing the industrial action by labour unions against domestic airlines.

The airline said it paused operations to protect passengers and crew and would resume flights once normal operations returned. It also said affected passengers would be informed about revised schedules and advised them to contact its customer care team for assistance.

Air Peace also reported disruptions after union members picketed its operations and barricaded entrances to departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in Lagos, as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Terminal in Abuja.

According to the airline, the blockade prevented scheduled flights from departing Lagos and Abuja, leaving passengers across its network significantly affected.

Air Peace apologised to stranded passengers and said those scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted with updates as the situation developed.

The development follows ongoing disagreements between aviation unions and domestic airline operators over unionisation and statutory ticket-related charges.