AVIATION UNIONS THREATEN STRIKE OVER BILLIONS IN UNPAID TICKET CHARGES

Nigeria’s aviation sector may face fresh industrial action after two major aviation unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to airline operators over the alleged failure to remit the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to aviation agencies.

In a joint letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) alleged that the outstanding remittances have accumulated to several billions of naira, creating funding challenges for aviation agencies and raising concerns about safety oversight.

The unions stated that the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge is a statutory levy collected from passengers on behalf of aviation agencies and must be remitted promptly in accordance with the law, adding that the prolonged non-remittance has weakened the revenue base of the affected agencies, limiting their ability to carry out critical regulatory and safety functions.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, the unions warned that continued non-remittance threatens the financial sustainability of the agencies responsible for ensuring safe air travel in Nigeria.

They demanded that all outstanding Ticket Sales Charges be remitted within 14 days, warning that failure to comply would leave them with no option but to take actions necessary to protect the aviation sector from operational and safety risks.