Aviation Ground Handlers Threaten To Withdraw Services Over Unpaid Airline Debts

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria has issued a final three-day ultimatum to airlines over unpaid debts, warning that services will be withdrawn if payments are not made.

Aviation ground handlers provide essential support services to aircraft while on the ground at airports.

The development was communicated in a notice addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria. The association said it has not received any response from airline operators despite previous engagements regarding the outstanding debts.

According to the notice, the continued lack of response has increased financial and operational pressure on its members, who have made efforts to resolve the issue without success. As a result, the association issued a final three-day deadline for the settlement of all outstanding payments.

It warned that failure to comply would lead to a withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines, along with possible legal actions to recover the debts.

The ultimatum, initially set to begin earlier, was adjusted to run from May 4 to May 6 following Workers’ Day considerations. If no resolution is reached within this period, the planned action will take effect.

Despite the warning, the association stated it remains open to dialogue to prevent disruptions to aviation operations.

Relevant authorities, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services, have been informed due to the potential economic, safety, and security implications.

The development comes shortly after Bola Tinubu approved a 30 percent discount on debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies to ease the impact of rising aviation fuel costs.

Earlier, the Airline Operators of Nigeria had also threatened to suspend operations over increasing fuel costs, highlighting ongoing challenges within the aviation sector.