Recurring aviation labour crises threaten passenger, aircraft lessor confidence

STAKEHOLDERS in the nation’s aviation and transportation industry have warned that recurring labour disputes and industrial actions in Nigeria’s aviation sector could undermine passenger confidence, raise concerns among aircraft lessors and creditors, and expose weaknesses in regulatory enforcement and airport governance.

The experts spoke against the backdrop of the recent industrial action by aviation unions against Air Peace, which reportedly disrupted about 70 flights, stranded passengers and affected the operations of other airlines at major airports.

Former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd.), attributed the apprehension among lessors and creditors to what he described as inadequate regulatory control over airlines and commercial aviation services.

Ojikutu, a renowned aviation expert, while commenting on the latest developments in the industry, said, “Not having effective regulatory control over the airlines is the reason why the leasors and creditors are apprehensive over uncertainties in our commercial aviation services.”

“How effective is the NCAA Oversight and Enforcement of the Nig CARs Part 18 on the aviation commercial services, especially the airlines, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and ground handlers?”, the retired Air Force officer queried.

Also commenting on the development, transportation expert and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Dr Femi Aiyegbajeje, said the recent union protest had implications far beyond the immediate labour dispute.

He noted that the reported disruption of flights operated by Air Peace and other carriers demonstrated the high level of interdependence within Nigeria’s air transport network.