Flight cancellations and delays were reported on Monday at Lagos airport terminals and across airports in the country due to a strike by aviation workers.
The access points to Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) were blocked, compelling passengers to walk with their luggage into the terminals.
Departures for some carriers were halted, leaving passengers stranded.
News Central reports that the aviation workers joined an indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to protest the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
A letter from the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), signed by secretary-general Abudul Rasaq Saidu, acknowledged the complaints and hardships faced by workers, criticising the federal government for not addressing the wage issue.
ANAP directed members to stay away from work starting at midnight on Sunday, 2nd June 2024.
Aero Contractors’ managing director, Ado Sanusi, confirmed flight delays due to the disruptions, though essential services were still being provided by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
United Nigeria Airlines stated that none of its scheduled flights had been allowed to depart, affecting its services and operations.
The airline apologised for the inconvenience and promised to monitor the situation and provide updates.
News Central reports that following the commencement of the strike on Monday, Organised Labour blocked all access points to aviation agencies at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to press home their demand for the implementation of a new National Minimum Wage.