Ground handling companies in Nigeria have withdrawn their services from XEJET Airlines over an alleged N300 million debt, causing immediate operational disruption for the domestic carrier. The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) directed its members to stop providing services to XEJET, accusing the airline of failing to honour previous repayment arrangements.
Directive Issued After Failed Repayment Commitments
The directive, announced on Monday, September 28, 2026, came after several attempts by ground handling companies to recover money allegedly owed for services already rendered. AGHAN said other indebted domestic airlines had responded to its concerns by submitting repayment plans and making payments, but XEJET allegedly failed to comply with the terms of its arrangement.
In a joint statement signed by AGHAN President Olaniyi Adigun and Vice President Bashir Ahmed, the association said the airline's outstanding obligations had climbed to about N300 million, leaving it with little choice but to order members to stop handling XEJET operations. "As it stands, the company owes our members about N300m," the association said, adding that its directive had been fully implemented.
Operational Impact and Passenger Disruption
The withdrawal of ground handling support has reportedly begun affecting XEJET's operations. Sources said some passengers' checked luggage had to be transferred to another domestic airline following the suspension of services. Ground handlers provide critical services to airlines, including baggage handling, aircraft loading and unloading, passenger support, and other activities required for flights to operate smoothly.
The latest action follows an earlier seven-day ultimatum issued by AGHAN to domestic airlines owing ground handling companies. Under that directive, affected carriers were asked to pay at least 75% of their outstanding debts or risk suspension of ground handling services. The planned action was subsequently suspended after some airlines submitted repayment proposals and began settling their obligations.
Warning to Other Indebted Airlines
AGHAN warned that other indebted airlines could face similar action if they fail to honour agreed payment schedules. The association acknowledged the difficult operating environment confronting Nigerian airlines but argued that ground handling companies were also battling rising costs of equipment, manpower, and employee welfare.
AGHAN said services would remain suspended until XEJET settles its obligations or reaches an acceptable repayment agreement with the affected companies. As of the time of reporting, XEJET had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Punch reported that calls and messages sent to the airline's spokesperson, Juliet Atikpekpe, had not received a response.
Context: Broader Industry Tensions
The development comes amid wider friction in Nigeria's aviation sector. Legit.ng earlier reported that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) issued a major warning to labour unions, saying domestic airlines may shut down flight operations across the country if any of its members is picketed again. The airline body said it would no longer tolerate what it described as unlawful interference with airline operations, following the disruption of flights by labour unions at major Nigerian airports.
The suspension of ground handling services for XEJET is expected to remain in force until the airline settles its debt or reaches an acceptable agreement with AGHAN members, with no public response from the carrier so far.
