Updated: Protesting aviation workers block Lagos airport, passengers stranded, flights cancelled

Many air passengers travelling out of Lagos have been left stranded as flight cancellations are imminent following a protest by Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, in the early hours of today, Tuesday.

The aviation workers protesting the sacking of 34 of their colleagues this morning barricaded the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, MMA2 terminal, Lagos.

The union alleged that its members working with the operators of the MMA2, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), were sacked without due process over the weekend.

According to a report by Vanguard, the protesting workers barricaded the airport from 2am.

A source from the airport told Vanguard that efforts to resolve the issues at several meetings in the past had proved abortive as BASL was not ready to rescind its decision.

Already, many Abuja-bound passengers are beginning to get stranded outside at the airport as the workers have blocked every entrance creating traffic gridlock.

Affected domestic airline operators have sent out notices of impending flight obstruction to passengers.

A statement by the management of Ibom Airlines Limited, read, “This is to bring to the attention of our esteemed passengers and the public, that our operating terminal out of Lagos, the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, operated by Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited has been completely closed off to workers and passengers alike by the labour union, very early this morning.

“Efforts are currently being made to resolve the situation. However, please note that this action will greatly impact our 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.”

Also, Azman said in a statement, “Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) is planning an industrial action that will disrupt the flight operations at the Domestic Terminal 2 of Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA2) from Tuesday, November 1.

“In lieu of this, Azman Air Services Limited wishes to advise all its intending passengers departing from Lagos to report early at the airport for check-in.

“We are monitoring the situation and we hope this is resolved quickly to avert further inconveniences to airline operators, staffs and the passengers.”