By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing a potential disruption as ground handling companies escalate pressure on airlines over mounting unpaid debts, raising fears of widespread flight interruptions.
On 27 April 2026, the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) issued a seven-day ultimatum to domestic carriers, warning that failure to settle over ₦9 billion owed could lead to a suspension of critical services across airports.
The affected firms (including major operators responsible for passenger check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft coordination) argue that the prolonged non-payment is severely straining their operations and workforce sustainability.
Ground handling services are essential to both domestic and international flights, meaning any withdrawal could effectively ground airline operations nationwide. Industry observers warn that the situation is particularly fragile, as airlines are already grappling with rising fuel costs and operational challenges.
Despite ongoing engagements between stakeholders, AGHAN says previous efforts to recover the debts have yielded little progress, prompting the ultimatum.
The unfolding standoff highlights deeper structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where financial instability, rising costs, and policy gaps continue to threaten operational continuity.
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