Aviation unions protest against airlines debts, threaten to stop Arik flights over N25bn

Following airlines’ huge debt to Aviation agencies and parastatals, unions in the industry – Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) – on Tuesday, barricaded the gates leading to the premises of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), just as they stage a protest at the General Aviation Terminal of Lagos airport.

For almost three hours, activities in the aviation sector were grounded following the protest over what they said was preventing agencies from carrying out their statutory financial obligations.

Addressing the gathering, Olayinka Abioye, general secretary of NUATE, alleged that Arik Airline alone owed FAAN N25 billion, saying “the unions give all debtors one week to settle their debts.”

Abioye said debts owed the agencies were the reason why promotion could not be effected, as there was no money to pay for various allowances, and urged workers of various agencies to brace up for battle against debtor airlines.

Also addressing the workers, Benjamin Okewu, ATSSSAN president, said the debt profile by Arik Air was becoming too alarming, saying bleak future awaited all debtor airlines, as it would never be business as usual.

He recalled how Meavis, a concessionaire, was sent packing from the airport and same would be extended to debtor concessionaire, noting that “if we want to achieve this, let all prepare for war. We must act and consolidate our decision to do the right thing.”