The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured passengers that airport operations across the country will continue despite the ongoing industrial action by aviation unions.
FAAN, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said it was closely monitoring developments surrounding the labour dispute and working with relevant stakeholders to minimise its impact on airport operations.
The authority said it recognised the role of organised labour and supported efforts by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and other stakeholders to resolve the dispute.
“FAAN recognises the legitimate role of organised labour and supports the ongoing efforts of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and other stakeholders towards an amicable resolution of the issues at hand,” the statement said.
According to FAAN, it was collaborating with aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that airport operations remained uninterrupted.
“In the interim, FAAN is working closely with the relevant aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the industrial action and ensure that airport operations are not disrupted,” it said.
The authority also said earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment had been resolved through inter-agency coordination.
“The Authority also confirms that earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment have been addressed through ongoing inter-agency coordination, and measures are being sustained to support the orderly continuation of flight operations,” the statement added.
FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the nation’s airports safe, secure and accessible to travellers.
“FAAN remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s airports remain safe, secure, functional and accessible to passengers and other airport users,” it said.
The authority advised passengers to remain calm and contact their respective airlines for real-time updates on flight schedules and possible changes.
FAAN expressed appreciation to travellers for their patience and understanding, saying it was confident that ongoing discussions led by the aviation minister would result in a quick resolution of the dispute.
The assurance comes amid industrial action by aviation unions over unresolved labour-related issues in the sector.
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The action involves the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), with support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The unions are protesting alleged anti-union practices by some airlines and the non-remittance of the mandatory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
They are demanding that airline workers be allowed to join unions of their choice without intimidation, victimisation or discrimination, as well as the payment of withheld TSC revenues to aviation agencies.
