Aviation Workers Shut Down Lagos Airport Terminal, Disrupt Flights

Early morning flights have been suspended and passengers left stranded as aviation workers shut down the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos Terminal Two (MMA2), on Tuesday.

Naija News gathered that the aviation workers are protesting the sack of some of their members by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).

Passengers were stranded Tuesday morning as flight operations were put on hold as a result of the protest.

The situation forced airlines like Ibom Air and Air Peace operating within the airport terminal to stop flight operations.

Ibom Air, in a notice to passengers, said the action of the union will greatly impact its flights scheduled in and out of Lagos today.

“We greatly regret the impact of this unexpected action on your day’s plans as we urge you to kindly stay close to all our communication channels for subsequent updates,” the airline said.

In a notice of strike ATSSSAN Principal Deputy General Secretary, Frances Akinjole said those affected in the disengagement include ATSSSAN Branch Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Women Leader who were said to demand “the payment of terminal benefits to staff members who exited the service of the company lawfully in line with the signed Conditions of Service”.

The union said BASL Management acted at a time when parties were at the table discussing the said payment, and there was nothing to suggest that the negotiation has broken down irretrievably.

It considered the termination as victimization of its members and excos who were merely carrying out their constitutional duties.

“In light of the above. ATSSSAN has declared industrial action against BASL and calls on all branches nationwide, as well as all professional associations affiliated to ATSSSAN to withdraw services to all airlines operating into and out of the MMA2 Lagos immediately without fall,” Akinjole said.