By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Passengers were reportedly left stranded after aviation unions commenced picketing activities against Air Peace over alleged anti-union practices and the non-remittance of the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).
The industrial action followed a seven-day ultimatum issued by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) to airlines accused of failing to remit billions of naira collected as TSC. The unions issued the ultimatum on July 28, 2026.
The five per cent TSC is collected from passengers by airlines on behalf of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and is used to support aviation regulatory functions, including safety oversight and economic regulation.
Air Peace is among airlines previously listed by the NCAA over outstanding statutory charges. In May, the regulator placed 11 airlines on a “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid obligations, although the NCAA said payment arrangements could be made.
The dispute is not limited to remittances. Aviation unions have also accused Air Peace of anti-union practices, an allegation the airline is expected to respond to.
The controversy comes amid wider concerns about the financial pressures facing Nigeria’s domestic airlines. Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema has previously argued that the five per cent TSC adds to the industry’s already heavy cost burden and called for a review of aviation taxes and charges.
The latest confrontation highlights the delicate balance between protecting workers’ rights, enforcing statutory financial obligations and preventing industrial disputes from disrupting air travel for passengers.
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