Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing a possible major disruption as ground handling companies threaten to suspend services over unpaid debts running into more than ₦9 billion owed by domestic airlines.
The warning was issued by the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), which gave airlines a seven-day ultimatum to settle outstanding payments or risk a nationwide withdrawal of services starting Tuesday.
In a notice sent to airline operators, AGHAN accused domestic carriers of consistently failing to meet their financial obligations, a situation it says is putting serious strain on its members and threatening operational stability across the sector.
The affected handling firms include Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Limited, and Swissport Handling Company, all of which provide essential airport services such as passenger check-in, baggage handling, ramp operations, and aircraft coordination.
In a letter dated April 21, 2026, jointly signed by AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun and Vice Chairman Ahmed Bashir, and addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the group formally warned of a possible service withdrawal if the debt remains unpaid. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and other key aviation authorities.
AGHAN described the unpaid debts as a serious burden affecting both operations and staff welfare, noting that repeated attempts to reach a resolution with airline operators have not produced meaningful results.
The association stated that despite several engagements, payment promises have largely not been fulfilled, leaving members under growing financial pressure.
It further warned that it may be forced to suspend services if no resolution is reached within the given timeframe, stressing that such action would be a last resort aimed at protecting the survival of its member companies.
AGHAN also expressed regret over the potential inconvenience to passengers and reiterated its willingness to resolve the dispute amicably.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Airline Operators of Nigeria were unsuccessful as calls and messages to its spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, were not returned.
