Flight operations in Nigeria risk disruption as AGHAN issues a final notice to airlines over N9bn debt, threatening to withdraw ground handling services within days.
Flight operations across Nigeria may face significant disruption from Wednesday as the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) issued a final notice to airlines over unpaid debts, warning that services would be withdrawn within days if obligations are not settled. Airlines are said to owe ground handling operators about N9bn amid ongoing financial strain, despite the Federal Government writing off 30 per cent of debts owed to aviation agencies.
Ground handling companies, including Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria Plc (SAHCO), Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Limited and Swissport Handling Company, provide safety-critical services such as passenger check-in, baggage handling, refuelling coordination and ramp operations. In a letter dated April 30, 2026, addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, AGHAN expressed frustration over what it described as persistent silence from airline operators despite earlier correspondence.
“We refer to our letter dated 20th April 2026… and wish to bring to your attention that, as of the date of this correspondence, we are yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness,” the association stated. It added, “Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three (3) days for the settlement of all outstanding obligations, failing which our members shall proceed with the withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines, without further recourse.” While the ultimatum was shifted to run from May 4 to May 6 to accommodate May Day, the group noted, “We remain open to immediate and constructive engagement aimed at resolving this matter amicably and avoiding any disruption to aviation operations and the travelling public.”
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