By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to aviation unions to suspend their ongoing industrial action and the shutting down of the operations of Air Peace in Lagos and Abuja airports as part of efforts to drive home their demands.
The NCAA made the appeal in a statement signed by its Director-General, Chris Najomo, on Tuesday, August 11, saying it was “aware of the ongoing industrial action by aviation unions and its impact on passengers and other stakeholders.”
The appeal came as the industrial action, which began on Tuesday morning following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the union to airline operators to remit the outstanding statutory five percent Ticket Service Charge (TSC) owed to aviation agencies, disrupted flight operations and left passengers and other travellers stranded.
The statement added that a peace meeting called by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, could not be held after airline operators failed to attend.
“The NCAA appeals to the unions to sheathe their swords and exercise restraint pending the return of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who has been actively working to resolve the issues.
“The matter would have been addressed at the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister last week, but the meeting could not be held as the airline operators failed to honour the invitation.
“We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as possible,” the NCAA said.
The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), over the non-remittance of statutory five percent Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) by airline operators and opposition to anti-union practices by domestic airline operators, had shut down the operations of Air Peace, worsening disruptions for passengers caught in the crisis between labour and airline operators.
While passengers have remained either on their feet or on seats at the airport, the NCAA appealed to all sides to return to the negotiating table.
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Najomo said, “We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable.”
The authority also sought to reassure passengers that the industrial action had not compromised aviation safety, saying it remained fully committed to its regulatory responsibilities.
He added, “The NCAA assures the travelling public that flight safety remains uncompromised, and that the Authority continues to exercise its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
“The NCAA, however, regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and appreciates their patience and understanding.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Air Peace described the disruption as temporary and apologised to passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.
The airline assured passengers of a timely update as events unfold.
“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
“Passengers scheduled to travel later today are being contacted and provided with relevant updates as the situation evolves.
“Air Peace continues to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as necessary. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers as we navigate this situation,” the statement read.
