Commercial airlines operating at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) Lagos, have disclosed that they are making alternative arrangements to fly their passengers as aviation unions’ industrial action enters the second day on Thursday.
Already, on the spot assessment of the flight operations by our correspondent at the MMA early Thursday reflected that most airlines had moved their passenger boarding and other flight documentation and identity processes to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The unions had early Wednesday protested the alleged sack by the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the MMA 2 of 24 employees who indicated interest to join their labour unions.
The industrial action, which continues to disrupt flights and business activities at the MMA2, was embarked on by the unions despite a subsisting court order issued by Justice I. N Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos restraining them from the action.
As expected, all airlines who operate flights from the MMA2 terminal, namely Arik Air, Medview Airline, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air and Aero Contractors were affected by the protests.
Speaking on how Dana Air has been coping with the crisis, the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, was quoted as saying that arrangements to move the airline’s passengers to GAT were made on Wednesday since the protesting workers did not allow any access to the MMA2.
He explained: “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.
“First, we are apologising to our guests for any inconveniences caused by this development.
“It is so unfortunate that those who actually have no business with what is happening are the ones suffering in the battle between these two organisations. So, we are appealing that they resolve it as soon as possible because passengers come first”, he added.
The General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Frances Akinjole, threatened that the unions would continue to disrupt activities at the MMA terminal until the BASL management recall the sacked workers and recognise their rights to join unions of their choices in the sector.
He said: “We will continue to barricade MMA2 until the management accede to our demands because what we are doing here is lawful.”
However, BASL spokesperson, Mr Steve Omolale, condemned the unions for the continued disruption of business activities and flights at the terminal in view of the fact that they were aware of the interim court order on the subject of the protests.
He stressed that BASL would not join issues with the unions since a suit had been filed by the company before a competent court for determination.
The unions involved in the protests are, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).
