The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has opposed the planned warning strike by aviation unions over the alleged non-remittance of Ticket Service Charges (TSC), arguing that the proposed industrial action is based on misinformation and should not disrupt flight operations.
The position was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, August 3, following threats by some aviation unions to suspend airline operations over claims that domestic airlines had failed to remit TSC collected on behalf of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Key points
- AON said the planned strike is based on incorrect information.
- The association stated it has established channels of engagement with the NCAA on all regulatory matters.
- It emphasized that airlines have no transactional relationship with the aviation unions regarding the collection or remittance of Ticket Service Charges.
- According to AON, disputes relating to TSC remittances should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes rather than actions that could disrupt air travel.
Why it matters
A strike by aviation unions could significantly affect domestic flight operations, leading to cancellations, delays, and financial losses for airlines and passengers.
AON’s response indicates that airline operators are seeking to prevent industrial action by clarifying that any issues surrounding TSC remittances should be addressed directly with the NCAA through existing regulatory mechanisms.
Outlook
The situation now hinges on further discussions between the aviation unions, the NCAA, and airline operators. If dialogue succeeds, flight disruptions may be avoided. However, if disagreements persist, the threat of industrial action could continue to create uncertainty for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
