AGHAN ultimatum airline debt deepens as ground handlers threaten to halt services over N9bn owed by airlines in Nigeria

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria has issued a final three-day ultimatum to members of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria over an estimated N9bn debt, warning that failure to settle outstanding obligations will trigger a sweeping withdrawal of critical ground handling services nationwide.

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In a letter dated April 30, 2026, the association said it had received no response from airline operators following earlier correspondence, describing the silence as both troubling and unsustainable.

The group stated that despite a prior seven-working-day notice issued on April 20, no communication, commitment, or concrete action had been made by indebted airlines.

The AGHAN ultimatum airline debt dispute has intensified pressure on operators, with the association warning that continued inaction is placing severe financial strain on its members.

Ground handling firms provide essential services including aircraft marshaling, baggage processing, and ramp operations, all of which are indispensable to daily flight activities.

“This continued lack of response has further heightened the financial and operational strain on our members, who have consistently engaged in good faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success,” the association said.

The letter described the new notice as final and unequivocal. It warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would result in an immediate and decisive withdrawal of services without further notice.

The notice period, adjusted in recognition of workers’ celebrations, runs from Monday, May 4 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Beyond the threatened shutdown, the association signalled it is prepared to pursue legal avenues to recover the debt, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the standoff.

Despite the escalating tensions, AGHAN maintained that dialogue remains possible and expressed willingness to reach a resolution that would prevent disruption to passengers and the wider aviation sector.

In a reflection of the dispute’s national significance, the association confirmed that key stakeholders, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services, have been formally notified.

The association noted that the situation carries far-reaching economic, safety, and security implications if unresolved.

Efforts to obtain a response from airline operators proved unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to Obiora Okonkwo, spokesperson for the airlines’ body, were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

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The developing impasse now raises the prospect of significant disruption across Nigeria’s aviation network if a breakthrough is not achieved within the deadline.