Flight operations across Nigeria may face significant disruption from Wednesday as the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has issued a final notice to airlines over unpaid debts, warning that services will be withdrawn within days if outstanding obligations are not settled.

Airlines are said to be owing operators to the tune of N9bn amidst financial strain facing the airlines with the federal government writing off 30 per cent of their debt owed to the aviation agencies.

Ground handling companies offer safety critical services including passenger check-in, baggage handling, refuelling coordination and ramp services to airlines.

The affected ground handling companies are Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria (SAHCO) Plc; Nigerian Aviation Handling Nigeria (NAHCO) Plc, Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Limited and Swissport Handling Company.

In a letter dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, the association expressed frustration over what it described as persistent silence and inaction by airline operators despite earlier correspondence.

Copies of the letter were also sent to key authorities, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services, citing the broader economic and security implications of the dispute.

“We refer to our letter dated 20th April 2026… and wish to bring to your attention that, as of the date of this correspondence, we are yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness,” the letter stated.

AGHAN warned that the situation has continued to place severe financial and operational strain on its members, despite repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably.

“Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three (3) days for the settlement of all outstanding obligations, failing which our members shall proceed with the withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines, without further recourse,” the association said.

Although the ultimatum was initially set to begin on May 1, the group said it deferred the timeline in recognition of the May Day celebrations and the need to maintain industrial harmony.

“Accordingly, the notice period shall now run from Monday, 4th May 2026 to Wednesday, 6th May 2026, after which the intended action will take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution,” the letter added.

The association, however, signalled openness to dialogue, noting: “We remain open to immediate and constructive engagement aimed at resolving this matter amicably and avoiding any disruption to aviation operations and the travelling public.”

One of the airline operators who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said the airlines are engaging with the AGHAN individually to see how they can reduce the indebtedness. (Daily Trust)

Update news