Flight cancellations loom as ground handlers shut down services on Thursday

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has issued a final 72-hour strike notice to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

The association has stated that unless an immediate settlement of outstanding debts is reached, all ground handling services will be withdrawn effective Thursday, May 7, 2026.

The ultimatum, which follows a period of mounting financial tension, threatens to ground both domestic and international flight operations, as ground handlers provide the essential services required for aircraft to take off and land.

The effect of the proposed strike will mean aircraft cannot be marshaled or parked, passenger baggage and cargo cannot be loaded or offloaded, safety-critical ramp services, including aircraft cleaning and water replenishment, will cease and boarding bridges and passenger stairs will remain stationary.

In a letter signed by signed by Olaniyi Adigun, chairman AGHAN and Ahmed Bashir, the Vice Chairman, addressed to the AON president, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant stakeholders, the AON President, AGHAN leadership revealed that the withdrawal of services was originally slated to begin on May 1, 2026.

However, in a strategic move to maintain industrial harmony during the May Day celebrations, the association granted a temporary reprieve.

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“In recognition of the significance of the May Day celebration and out of respect for labor considerations, the three-day final ultimatum will be deferred,” the statement read.

The new countdown commenced today, Monday, May 4, 2026, and will expire at the close of business on Wednesday, May 6.

Underscoring the severity of the threat, AGHAN has taken step of copying the highest levels of Nigeria’s security and regulatory apparatus.

The association cited “far-reaching economic, safety, and security implications” as the primary reason for the high-level escalation.

The association expressed deep frustration over the “continued lack of response” from airline operators following an initial warning letter sent on April 20, 2026.

AGHAN claims its members have faced “heightened financial and operational strain” while attempting to resolve the debt crisis amicably.

“Our members have consistently engaged in good faith without success,” the association noted, adding that they are now constrained to pursue all legal remedies for debt recovery in addition to the withdrawal of services.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.