In the wake of the new week, several international and local airports in Nigeria on Monday, January 23, 2023, have been grounded as Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has called an indefinite strike over salary increment.
What happened to passengers: As a result, many passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, (MMA2) Lagos and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) were sighted stranded outside the airport terminal as their flights were either being delayed or rescheduled.
How we know this is true: The National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, confirmed the strike action in an official statement, co signed by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).
What the Aviation Unions are saying: "As all ultimatum issued by our Unions have gone unheeded, and the management continues to play on our intelligence through scheduling of purposeless meetings, we have come to the conclusion that the management is clearly decided against harkening to our cries for fairness and equity, despite overwhelming evidence in support of our demand.
"In view of the above, NUATE and ATSSSAN have no choice than to take definite steps to press. home our demands."
"My Qatar flight returned to Doha": Speaking to news reporters, an eyewitness passenger, Alex Nwuba, noted that NAHCO staff walked out of international airport, saying they were on strike and will not handle any passenger.
“The Qatar flight I’m traveling with this morning landed and has returned to Doha as there’s no one to handle them,” Nwuba said.
Another stranded passenger posted on Twitter, "No Departure Check in & No Arrival of Flights for now Departing Passengers Stranded.”
What to expect: Daniel Young, an aviation analyst said the situation will result in enormous financial losses by passengers.
Editor's comment: The airlines, as businesses, will also suffer losses. Nigeria's revenue from taxes on aviation will also experience a decline, this month, if the situation persists.