Airlines’ Debts: Flight Disruption Looms As Ground Handlers Threaten Service Withdrawal

Flight disruption looms in the nation’s aviation sector as the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has issued a final ultimatum to airline operators over mounting unpaid debts.

In a letter dated April 30, 2026, addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON), AGHAN warned that failure to settle outstanding obligations could result in the withdrawal of critical ground handling services nationwide.

The group, in a letter signed by the chairman, Olaniyi Adegun and vice-chairman, Ahmed Bashir, expressed concern over what it described as the continued silence and inaction by airline operators despite previous engagements and a prior notice issued on April 20.

The association said it had yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete steps from the airlines toward resolving the indebtedness, a situation it noted has intensified financial and operational pressure on its member companies.

“This continued lack of response has further heightened the financial and operational strain on our members, who have consistently engaged in good faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success,” the letter stated.

AGHAN consequently issued a final three-day notice to settle all outstanding debts, warning that failure to comply would result in the withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines without further notice. It also indicated that additional legal steps could be taken to recover the debts.

However, the association said the initial timeline for the ultimatum was adjusted to recognise the May Day celebrations and to consider labour relations. The new deadline will now run from Monday, May 4 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

“After this period, the intended action will take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution,” AGHAN warned.

Despite the hardline stance, the association reiterated its willingness to engage with airline operators to find a mutually beneficial resolution and avoid disruptions to flight operations and passenger travel.

AGHAN also disclosed that key stakeholders, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), were copied in the correspondence, underscoring the broader economic, safety, and security implications of the dispute.

Industry observers say any disruption to ground handling services could significantly impact flight schedules and operations nationwide, as such services are critical to aircraft turnaround, passenger handling, and overall airport logistics.

The development raises concerns about potential disruptions in Nigeria’s aviation sector if the standoff between ground handlers and airline operators is not urgently resolved.