Air Peace has reported a financial shortfall exceeding N2 billion following recent industrial action by aviation unions. The disruption occurred after the National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria picketed the airline’s facilities in Lagos and Abuja. These unions, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, had issued a three-day ultimatum concerning ticket sales charges and employee unionization rights.
Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide stated that the airline holds the unions accountable for any compensation claims from affected travelers. During a press briefing, she called on the Federal Government and security agencies to launch an independent investigation into the events. She emphasized that the disruption harmed thousands of passengers and questioned how protesters bypassed strict airport security protocols.
Olajide further highlighted that several Air Peace staff members were physically assaulted during the incident. She noted that these actions blatantly violated a Federal High Court ruling from April 2024, which granted a perpetual injunction protecting Air Peace employees from forced unionization and harassment. The airline warned that the union members’ actions may violate international aviation security standards, potentially leading to future legal repercussions.
