The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has warned some aviation unions against disrupting flight operations over the ongoing dispute on ticket service charge (TSC) remittances.
The warning follows a fresh seven-day ultimatum issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), directing airline operators to remit outstanding 5 percent ticket service charges owed to aviation agencies.
The unions had said the continued non-remittance of the charges has deprived aviation agencies of critical funding needed to maintain the safety of Nigeria’s airspace while also affecting the welfare of workers.
Responding in a statement on Monday, the AON said it was compelled to address the issue following concerns from passengers over the planned action.
The association said it has no transactional relationship with the unions on the matter, adding that the groups neither speak for nor represent the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We want to clearly state that 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 statement reads.
“Those behind these threats have been misinformed, and we urge them to seek facts from the appropriate quarters before taking any action capable of inflicting needless hardship on the traveling public.”
‘AVIATION CHARGES SUFFOCATING INDUSTRY’
The AON said domestic airlines are already operating under conditions that threaten their survival, citing the high cost of aviation fuel and multiple charges imposed on operators.
According to the airline operators, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the most expensive aviation charges globally, a situation it said is suffocating the industry.
The association said it maintains direct engagement with the NCAA on all matters relating to its relationship with the industry regulator, adding that the engagement continues in good faith in line with global industry practice.
“We state without ambiguity that 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,” the statement added.
“We therefore call on appropriate authorities to please take note.”
The AON reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and seamless travel experience of all Nigerians, saying it would not be distracted by threats, misinformation or “manufactured crises.”
