UPDATED: NCAA pleads with unions to suspend strike as airline operators fail to show for peace talks
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has called on aviation unions to suspend their industrial action, disclosing that a peace meeting arranged by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, could not proceed because airline operators did not attend.
The appeal came as the labour dispute continued to ground flights and leave passengers stranded across major airports.
In a statement on Tuesday, NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo acknowledged the disruption caused by the strike and its toll on travellers, but urged the unions to "sheathe their swords and exercise restraint" until Keyamo returns. The regulator said the minister has been actively working to resolve the grievances.
Najomo explained that the dispute would have been addressed at a meeting convened by Keyamo last week, but the effort collapsed when the airline operators failed to show up.
“The matter would have been addressed at the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister last week, but the meeting could not be held as the airline operators failed to honour the invitation,” the statement read.
The unions have shut down operations at Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier, intensifying the pressure on passengers already caught between labour demands and airline management. Travellers have been left waiting at terminals with little clarity on when normal services will resume.
The NCAA appealed to all sides to return to dialogue, expressing confidence that the matter could be resolved soon. Najomo added that the agency remains fully committed to its safety oversight duties and assured the public that the strike has not compromised flight safety.
“The NCAA assures the travelling public that flight safety remains uncompromised, and that the Authority continues to exercise its statutory safety oversight responsibilities,” he said. “The NCAA, however, regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and appreciates their patience and understanding.”
Air Peace, in its own statement, described the disruption as temporary and apologised to affected passengers. The airline said it is contacting passengers with scheduled flights and providing updates as the situation evolves.
“Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control,” the airline said. “Passengers scheduled to travel later today are being contacted and provided with relevant updates as the situation evolves. Air Peace continues to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as necessary. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers as we navigate this situation.”