Domestic and international flight operations across routes served by indigenous airlines may face disruption starting tomorrow, following a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) over an outstanding debt exceeding N9 billion owed by airlines.
AGHAN, the umbrella body representing five ground handling companies in Nigeria—Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria (SAHCO) Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Limited, and Swissport Handling Company—provides critical services such as passenger check-in, baggage handling, aircraft marshalling, refuelling coordination, and ramp services. The association accused airline operators of accumulating the debt, which it said is negatively impacting the operations of its members.
Ultimatum and Possible Service Withdrawal
In a letter jointly signed by AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun and Vice Chairman Ahmed Bashir, addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and dated April 21, 2026, the association warned that member companies may be forced to suspend ground handling services from Tuesday, April 28, 2026, if the debts are not settled within the stipulated timeframe. The letter, titled “Outstanding Indebtedness and Notice of Possible Withdrawal of Services,” was also copied to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The letter stated: “This situation has continued to exert significant pressure on the operational capacity of our members, adversely affecting their ability to deliver sustainable, efficient and safe services. It has also created considerable financial strain on the management and workforce of the affected organisations. Despite repeated engagements and efforts made in good faith by our members to secure settlement of these obligations, the responses received thus far have not yielded the desired outcomes, with payment commitments largely unmet.”
Call for Swift Resolution
AGHAN expressed hope that the ultimatum would prompt swift action from airline operators to settle the outstanding obligations and avert a shutdown. The association apologized to air travellers for any inconvenience the situation may cause and reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the matter.
