Air Peace Demands Probe Into Flight Disruption, Cites ₦2bn Claim In 2024 Court Case

Air Peace has called for an investigation into the recent disruption of its operations by aviation unions, as the airline raises concerns over the financial losses and wider implications of the industrial action.

The development followed the disruption of Air Peace operations at major airports in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, by aviation unions over issues relating to ticket charges and unionisation.

The action reportedly affected about 70 flights across the airline’s network, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and disrupting travel plans.

The unions’ action has since triggered renewed attention to the long-running tensions between Air Peace and some aviation labour groups, with the airline seeking greater scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the disruption.

Air Peace has also drawn attention to a 2024 Federal High Court order arising from a separate legal dispute involving the airline and other domestic carriers over the controversial Nigeria Air transaction.

The 2024 case was brought by the Airline Operators of Nigeria and several airlines, including Air Peace, against the Federal Government and other parties over the proposed establishment and ownership structure of Nigeria Air.

In its judgment, the Federal High Court in Lagos restrained the Federal Government and its agencies from proceeding with the proposed Nigeria Air arrangement with Ethiopian Airlines.

The airlines had also sought ₦2 billion in damages in the case. However, the court did not award the claimed damages, making it important to distinguish between the amount sought by the plaintiffs and any damages actually awarded.

Air Peace’s reference to the 2024 court proceedings comes amid its latest dispute with aviation unions, as the airline seeks accountability for what it considers a serious disruption to its operations and business.

The August 11 action reportedly began at some of the country’s busiest airports, with union members preventing Air Peace from operating flights and leaving passengers waiting for clarity on their travel arrangements.

The disruption has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s aviation sector to industrial disputes, particularly when disagreements among airlines, unions, and regulatory authorities result in passengers bearing the immediate consequences.

Air Peace has yet to publicly disclose a final figure for the losses incurred during the latest disruption. However, the grounding of dozens of flights would have affected ticket revenue, aircraft utilisation, passenger connections and other operational activities.

The airline is therefore seeking a probe into the circumstances surrounding the disruption, while the unions maintain their position on the issues that prompted the industrial action.

The latest dispute has reignited broader questions about industrial relations in Nigeria’s aviation sector and the need for mechanisms that can resolve disagreements without grounding flights and leaving passengers stranded.

As stakeholders await further action from the relevant aviation authorities, attention is now focused on whether an investigation will be ordered and how the underlying disagreement between Air Peace and the aviation unions will be resolved.

For passengers, however, the immediate concern remains the same: ensuring that disputes between airlines and unions do not repeatedly result in cancelled flights, stranded travellers and financial losses for the travelling public.