Newscenter Media News The Nigerian aviation industry is bracing for a potential crisis as unions warn of attendant job losses if the embargo on four Arik Air aircraft is not lifted.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) grounded the aircraft over a $2.5 million debt case, sparking widespread concern among passengers and workers.
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, the unions stressed that the move has intensified frustration among passengers and exacerbated existing challenges in the country’s air travel sector.
The letter was issued by Ocheme Aba, general secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Frances Akinjole, principal deputy general secretary of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN); and Olayinka Abioye, general secretary of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
“But, now we are shocked that Arik Air’s fleet of four (4) aircraft was grounded by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Tuesday July 30, 2024 over the subject matter in the above referenced letter.
“This action has created anguish and severe frustration among Arik Air’s passengers, and has exacerbated the present air travel challenges in our dear country”.
They urged the president to direct aviation agencies to lift the embargo, warning of severe consequences if the situation persists.
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The unions highlighted the plight of Arik Air’s 2000 workers and their 16,000 dependents, who are caught up in the crisis.
“Mr. President can imagine the state of mind of those who have made both short and long term bookings, including group bookings, with the Airline, especially those who may not have the means to pay for alternative flights.
“We are particularly concerned about the fate of the 2000, or so, workers of the Airline and their about 16,000 dependents who are unfortunately caught up in this unneeded contraption.
“Under the current severe socio-economic upheavals, throwing such large numbers of citizens into economic quagmire can only worsen the forbearance strains,” the letter reads.
“Against the background of the negative consequences of the earlier similar grounding of Dana Air for which the industry is still counting the losses, we consider this avoidable situation to be truly worrisome,” the unions said.
“Your Excellency, Sir, while we cannot arrogate the review of any judicial decision regarding the matter to ourselves as trade unions, we are strongly of the opinion that the mentioned fleet of aircraft cannot be subject of attachment to any writ that might have occasioned the grounding of the airline as the fleet of aircraft do not belong to Arik Air as such, it being lien belonging to secured creditors.”
They also warned of losses for third-party vendors and service providers, including airports, aviation agencies, ground handlers, fuelers, and caterers.
The situation has sparked fears of a repeat of the losses suffered during the grounding of Dana Air, which had a devastating impact on the industry. The unions are calling for urgent intervention to prevent a worsening of the socio-economic upheavals in the country.
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