Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has directed aviation agencies and airlines to agree realistic repayment schedules for outstanding obligations within one week following an emergency stakeholders’ meeting.
Nigeria’s aviation debt dispute enters a new phase as domestic airlines begin repaying outstanding 5% Ticket Sales Charge debts under an instalment agreement with the NCAA, following intervention that eased tensions with aviation unions.
The Federal Government has moved to resolve Nigeria’s aviation crisis as Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo secures fresh resolutions on airline debts, workers’ union rights and industrial harmony.
Flight operations have been disrupted at Lagos and Abuja airports as aviation unions picket domestic airlines over alleged non-remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and workers’ unionisation rights.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema has vowed that Nigerian airlines will not be intimidated by aviation unions' planned picketing over the Ticket Sales Charges dispute. He urged stakeholders to address the industry's operational challenges instead of disrupting airline operations.
Aviation unions have threatened to shut down airlines accused of withholding statutory ticket sales charges collected from passengers after the expiration of multiple ultimatums, warning of possible nationwide flight disruptions.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has opposed the planned strike by some aviation unions over alleged unremitted Ticket Service Charges, warning that any disruption to flight operations would affect passengers and the aviation industry.
