Aviation Unions Petition Presidency Over Alleged Air Peace Airport Security Breach

A coalition of aviation workers’ unions has petitioned the Presidency over an alleged security breach involving Air Peace at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The unions are asking the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate claims that five branded buses belonging to the airline were driven onto the airport’s taxiway and aircraft manoeuvring area during an industrial dispute on August 11, 2026.

In the petition, the unions alleged that the incident disrupted flight operations and created potential risks for passengers, airline staff and airport personnel. They called for anyone found responsible to face legal action.

The petition was signed by representatives of 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).

Dispute Began Over Workers’ Rights and Unpaid Charges

The disagreement between aviation unions and domestic airlines centres on two major issues: alleged restrictions on workers’ rights to join trade unions and the non-remittance of the statutory Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).

The unions said they had issued notices to picket 16 domestic airlines over the issues, with Air Peace scheduled for the first day of action on August 11.

According to the unions, the picketing was intended to draw attention to alleged violations of labour laws and unpaid charges meant to support aviation agencies, including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

They maintained that the protest was peaceful and took place around the airline’s operational office and counter area, rather than within the airport’s restricted airside.

The unions also alleged that some airline staff became physically aggressive towards their members during the exercise. They said the action was suspended following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and airport security officials.

Unions Demand Investigation Into Alleged Taxiway Blockade

The unions further alleged that five Air Peace-branded buses were subsequently driven onto the airport’s taxiway and manoeuvring area, potentially obstructing aircraft movement.

They described the alleged action as a serious aviation security concern and urged the National Security Adviser to establish a joint investigation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), NCAA aviation security personnel and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security officials.

The unions also called for the preservation and release of relevant CCTV footage, air traffic control recordings and vehicle movement logs to help establish what happened.

They urged the authorities to identify anyone who may have authorised the deployment of the buses and take appropriate legal action if wrongdoing is established.

Dispute Raises Concerns About Flight Operations

The August industrial action disrupted airline operations at Lagos and Abuja airports, leaving passengers stranded and affecting scheduled flights.

In a separate report, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) said the disruption affected more than 70 Air Peace flights and caused estimated losses exceeding ₦2 billion. The association also reported that more than 30 United Nigeria Airlines flights were affected.

The dispute highlights how disagreements between airlines and aviation workers can have wider consequences for passengers, airline revenues and businesses that depend on reliable air transport.

Freight services, tourism, business travel and other aviation-related activities can also face additional costs when flights are delayed or cancelled.

Air Peace Dispute Remains Unresolved

The allegations have emerged amid continuing tensions between Air Peace and aviation workers’ unions over the August incident.

The airline has previously raised complaints about the industrial action, while a source close to the company disputed claims that it invaded the runway or taxiway, according to a separate media report.

The competing accounts make an independent investigation important in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any aviation regulations were breached.

The unions are also calling on the relevant authorities to enforce compliance with labour laws and statutory payment obligations across the domestic aviation industry.

Conclusion

The petition by aviation unions has renewed attention on airport security, workers’ rights and the dispute over statutory charges in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

While the unions are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the alleged Air Peace airside incident, the allegations must be established through the appropriate investigative process.

A clear resolution could help protect aviation infrastructure, strengthen regulatory compliance and reduce the risk of future industrial disputes disrupting air travel in Nigeria.