Nigerian airlines lose millions as industrial action grounds flight operations at MMA2
Nigerian airline operators have lamented that the strike embarked upon by airport workers in Lagos have caused them millions in revenue as they have been forced to cancelled flights and make alternative arrangement for passengers.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded on Wednesday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) as aviation unions picketed the terminal early in the morning over the disengagement of some workers of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the terminal. The strike have continued till this morning.
Arik Air, Medview Airline, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air and Aero Contractors who operate flights from the terminal have all been affected by the picketing.
Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, Corporate Communications Manager, Dana Air, told newsmen earlier today that the airlines operating in the MMA2 had incurred losses amounting to millions of naira since the strike began, adding that they still had to pay FAAN to process their passengers at the GAT.
”We have made an alternative arrangement since yesterday and at the moment, the strike is still ongoing but we are hoping that everything will be resolved as soon as possible.
“First, we are apologising to our guests for any inconveniences caused by this development. It is so unfortunate that those who actually have no business with what is happening are the ones suffering in the battle between these two organizations.
“So, we are appealing that they resolve it as soon as possible because passengers come first. Without the passengers there is no airline. There is no industry and we need to start considering them before taking any decision. ”
The unions under the auspices of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) are involved in the obstruction of operations at the airport terminal.
Last Tuesday, BASL obtained court injunction that refrained the unions from picketing the facility but this was rejected by the unions which have had long battle with BASL over sack of its workers.
However, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday granted an order restraining the unions from disrupting the operations of MMA2 in the suit filed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of MMA2 terminal.
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