The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has criticised the planned warning strike by some aviation unions over alleged unremitted Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), warning that any disruption to flight operations would unfairly punish passengers and further strain an industry already battling high operating costs.
Responding to the threat in a statement issued on Monday, the association said it was compelled to speak out following enquiries from anxious travellers seeking clarification on the fate of their scheduled flights.
AON maintained that domestic airlines have no transactional relationship with the unions on the issue of TSC remittances, stressing that the unions neither represent nor speak for the NCAA in matters relating to the collection and remittance of the statutory charge.
The association urged those behind the planned industrial action to verify the facts with the appropriate authorities before embarking on actions capable of inflicting needless hardship on the travelling public.
According to AON, Nigerian airlines are already operating under severe financial pressure arising from the soaring cost of aviation fuel and multiple taxes and charges, which continue to threaten the sustainability of airline operations.
It noted that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had also identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest aviation charges in the world, a development it said has continued to erode the competitiveness of local carriers.
The association added that it maintains established channels of engagement with the NCAA on all issues relating to its relationship with the aviation regulator, noting that such discussions are ongoing and conducted in good faith in line with global industry practice.
AON cautioned that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or jeopardises the safety and convenience of air travellers over the dispute should be held accountable for the consequences, urging the relevant authorities to take appropriate steps to forestall any disruption to flight services.
Reaffirming its commitment to the aviation sector, the association said its member airlines remain patriotic investors contributing to Nigeria’s economy and are committed to providing safe, reliable and seamless air transport services across the country.
It added that despite the current operational challenges confronting the industry, airlines would remain focused on serving the travelling public and would not be distracted by what it described as threats, misinformation or manufactured crises.