Air Peace Cancels Flights As Aviation Unions Shut Airport Terminals

Air Peace has cancelled and disrupted scheduled flight operations following the ongoing industrial action by aviation labour unions, which resulted in the closure and barricading of airport terminals in Lagos and Abuja.

The disruption, according to the airline, followed the picketing of its operations by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as part of the unions’ ongoing industrial action.

Air Peace said the industrial action prevented passengers and airline personnel from gaining access to its departure terminals, forcing the disruption of scheduled flights from the two major airports.

In a statement issued by the airline’s management, Air Peace said entrances to its departure terminals at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, including the Alpha and Zulu Terminals, as well as Terminal 2 in Lagos, were barricaded by the protesting unions.

The airline said the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport terminal in Abuja was similarly affected, with the blockade restricting access to the facilities and preventing scheduled flights from departing.

The development has affected passengers booked to travel on Air Peace across its domestic and regional network, with travellers facing delays, cancellations and uncertainty over their scheduled journeys.

The airline said the situation was beyond its control, as the disruption resulted directly from the industrial action and the inability of passengers and flight crews to access the affected terminals.

“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control,” the airline said.

The carrier added that it was contacting passengers scheduled to travel later on Tuesday to provide updates on their flights and advise them on developments as the situation evolves.

The airline said its management was closely monitoring the industrial action and would continue to communicate relevant information to passengers as further developments emerged.

The disruption comes as organised labour intensifies its industrial action at key airports, with the picketing of airline facilities and terminals creating significant operational challenges for carriers and passengers.

Lagos and Abuja are critical hubs for Nigeria’s domestic air transport network, with the two airports handling a substantial proportion of passenger traffic and connecting travellers to destinations across the country.

The closure of terminal access therefore has wider implications for flight schedules, passenger connections, aircraft utilisation and airline operations, particularly for carriers with multiple daily departures from the affected airports.

Air Peace appealed to passengers affected by the disruption to remain patient and understanding while the airline navigates the situation.

The airline said it would continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as necessary, particularly as the industrial action determines the accessibility of the affected airport terminals and the resumption of normal flight operations.