Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, resumed flight operations on Wednesday after aviation unions suspended an industrial action that had disrupted services at major airports and stranded thousands of passengers across the country.
The strike, led by aviation workers’ unions, had forced the cancellation of dozens of flights after union members blocked access to airline terminals at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The unions accused some domestic carriers of preventing workers from joining trade unions and failing to remit statutory charges to regulators.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier by passenger volume, said flight operations had resumed following the suspension of the industrial action. The airline had earlier reported widespread disruptions across its network, with passengers unable to access terminals in Lagos and Abuja.
United Nigeria Airlines also restarted services after temporarily halting operations, saying the suspension had been necessary to protect the safety of passengers and crew during the labour action.
Industry estimates suggest that more than 80 flights were cancelled during the disruption, affecting both domestic and regional travel. The shutdown caused significant financial losses for airlines and left travelers stranded at airports nationwide.
Nigeria’s civil aviation authorities had appealed to the unions to suspend the strike, warning that prolonged disruptions could affect air transport operations and passenger confidence in the sector.
While operations have resumed, aviation stakeholders have called for dialogue between airlines, labour unions and regulators to address the underlying disputes and prevent future disruptions. The latest incident highlights persistent tensions within Nigeria’s aviation industry, which has faced challenges ranging from rising operating costs to labour disagreements in recent years.
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules and rebooking arrangements as carriers work to clear the backlog created by the strike.
