We’ve No Transactional Relationship With Unions Threatening Warning Strike Over TSC – Says AON

The Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, has dismissed threats by some aviation unions to disrupt flight operations over alleged “unremitted Ticket Service Charges, TSC, owed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA”. 

In a statement on behalf of its members, AON said it does not have any transactional relationship with the unions on the matter and urged them to seek facts before embarking on any action that could inflict hardship on air travelers.

The operators said they would not ordinarily have responded, but for the numerous calls from anxious passengers seeking clarity on their travel plans.

“We want to clearly state that the AON has no transactional relationship whatsoever with these unions on this matter. To the best of our knowledge, they do not speak for, nor on behalf of, the NCAA,” the statement said.

“Those behind these threats have been misinformed, and we urge them to seek facts from the appropriate quarters before taking any action capable of inflicting needless hardship on the traveling public.”

AON noted that Nigerian airlines are already operating under harsh economic conditions, with high aviation fuel costs and multiple charges pushing carriers to a breaking point.

Citing the International Air Transport Association, IATA, the group said Nigeria has one of the most expensive aviation charges globally.
“This is suffocating the industry and is not the time for distractions dressed up as agitation,” AON stated.

The association stressed that it has direct engagement channels with the NCAA as the industry regulator, and that discussions on all issues affecting operators are ongoing in good faith.

“We have direct engagement channels with NCAA on anything pertaining to our relationship and issues as the industry regulator, as it is the industry standard world over, and that engagement continues in good faith,” AON said.

AON warned that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endangers the safety of the flying public over the TSC issue will be held responsible.

“We state without ambiguity that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endanger the safety of the flying public based on this particular threat will be held responsible for the consequences. We therefore call on appropriate authorities to please take note,” the statement added.

The operators reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and comfort of passengers and to supporting the economic agenda of the Tinubu administration.

“AON members as patriotic Nigerians and legitimate investors in Nigeria’s economy and contributors to the economic development of Nigeria under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, remain fully committed to the safety and seamless travel experience of all Nigerians, and we will not be distracted by threats, misinformation, or manufactured crises.”