The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has cautioned aviation unions against disrupting flight operations over allegations that airlines failed to remit Ticket Service Charges (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The warning follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), demanding that airline operators pay outstanding five percent ticket service charges owed to aviation agencies.
The unions argued that the alleged non-remittance of the charges has affected funding for aviation agencies and the welfare of workers.
Reacting in a statement on Monday, the AON dismissed the allegations, insisting that it has no direct transactional relationship with the unions on the issue.
“The AON has no transactional relationship whatsoever with these unions on this matter. To the best of our knowledge, they do not speak for, nor on behalf of, the NCAA,” the association said.
The airline operators also claimed that the unions had been misinformed and urged them to verify the facts before taking any action that could disrupt air travel.
“Those behind these threats have been misinformed… before taking any action capable of inflicting needless hardship on the travelling public,” the statement added.
AON further noted that domestic airlines are already struggling under rising operational costs, particularly the high cost of aviation fuel and multiple regulatory charges.
According to the association, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges globally, warning that additional disruptions could further weaken the sector.
The association said it maintains direct communication with the NCAA on all regulatory issues and insisted that such engagements are ongoing.
It also warned that anyone who disrupts flight operations or compromises the safety of passengers over the dispute would be held responsible.
“Any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endangers the safety of the flying public based on this particular threat will be held responsible for the consequences,” AON stated.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and uninterrupted flight operations while calling on relevant authorities to prevent any disruption to air travel.
