Max Air’s operations grounded as AGHAN suspends services over N1bn debt

Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has suspended ground handling services to Max Air over an alleged debt estimated at nearly N1 billion, a decision that has effectively halted the airline’s domestic operations across Nigeria.

The action took effect on Thursday and marks the first major sanction imposed by the association against an airline accused of failing to meet its financial obligations to ground handling companies.

Speaking on the development, Olaniyi Adigun,AGHAN Chairman, said the decision became necessary after Max Air allegedly refused to engage in discussions aimed at reconciling and settling its outstanding indebtedness.

According to him, several other airlines with outstanding debts are currently negotiating repayment arrangements with handling companies. However, he said Max Air has failed to respond positively despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue.

Adigun explained that member companies could no longer sustain the financial pressure resulting from prolonged non-payment for services already rendered.

He said: “We took the decisive action on Max Air today (Thursday) because the airline refused to negotiate with us. While the other debtor airlines are negotiating with us, Max Air has blatantly refused to negotiate with the handling companies.

“Some of the other debtor airlines are already on the verge of signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with our members on debt repayment. This action should serve as a signal to other airlines that ground handling companies can no longer continue to provide services without payment.”

The AGHAN chairman stressed that the association’s action was not intended to disrupt the aviation industry but to protect the sustainability of businesses providing critical support services to airlines.

Despite the sanctions, Adigun clarified that Max Air’s ongoing hajj operations would continue without interruption. He noted that payments for handling services related to pilgrimage flights are made directly by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).