Day 2: Airlines make alternative arrangements as aviation union strike bites harder

Airline operators have been forced to make alternative arrangements to fly their passengers as the strike at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2), Lagos, enters the second day.

Aviation union members continued their picketing at the terminal on Thursday over the sacking of their colleagues.

The airlines have moved their passenger boarding and processing to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The striking groups are the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).

They are protesting the alleged sacking of 24 employees by the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the operators of the MMA2, for showing interest in joining the unions.

The unions continued to shutdown flights and business activities at the MMA2, despite a Federal High Court order in Lagos, restraining them from the action.

Airlines affected by the action included Arik Air, Medview Airline, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air and Aero Contractors.

Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, the Corporate Communications Manager for Dana Air, said on Thursday that their decision to move passengers to GAT, was reached on Wednesday after they were prevented from entering MMA2.

”We have made an alternative arrangement since yesterday and at the moment, the strike is still ongoing but we are hoping that everything will be resolved as soon as possible.