The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has pushed back against threats from aviation unions regarding the collection of the mandatory five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). The unions, specifically ATSSSAN and NUATE, claim that certain airlines have failed to remit these funds, which they argue are essential for maintaining aviation safety and operational standards. In response, the AON stated that it maintains no direct working relationship with these unions and questioned their legal standing to act on behalf of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In a recent statement, the AON emphasized that it communicates directly with the NCAA, as is standard practice in the global aviation industry. The association warned that any disruption to flight services would place the responsibility for potential safety risks and passenger hardship directly on the unions. The AON also highlighted the current economic strain on local airlines, citing excessive operational costs and high tax burdens as significant threats to the sector’s sustainability. The group reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and urged labor leaders to verify facts before escalating their agitation.
