The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria has issued a final ultimatum to airlines over an estimated N9bn debt, threatening to withdraw critical ground handling services if payments are not made within three days. In a letter addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria and dated April 30, 2026, and obtained by our correspondent, the ground handlers expressed deep frustration over what they described as prolonged silence and inaction from airline operators despite earlier engagements.
“We refer to our letter dated 20th April 2026 on the above subject matter and wish to bring to your attention that, as of the date of this correspondence, we have yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness,” the association stated.
Recall that AGHAN had earlier given a seven-working-day ultimatum to the airlines, but they claimed that they had been ignored. The group warned that the continued lack of response has worsened the financial burden on its members, many of whom provide essential services such as aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, and ramp operations at airports nationwide.
“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,” AGHAN added. AGHAN, in its letter, described the correspondence as a final three-day notice to defaulting airlines, after which services would be withdrawn without further notice.
The letter read, “Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three 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.” Related News A’Ibom airport begins international flights, FG calls it unique hub Ogazi breaks 30-year 400m national record Air Peace clarifies Gatwick–Lagos flight disruption, denies abandoning passengers The association further stressed that beyond halting services, it would also explore “all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.” However, AGHAN adjusted the timeline of its ultimatum in recognition of workers’ celebrations.
“Accordingly, the notice period shall now run from Monday, 4th May 2026 to Wednesday, 6th May 2026, after which the intended action will take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution.” Despite the escalating standoff, the ground handlers maintained that dialogue remains possible, emphasising their willingness to avoid disruptions that could ripple across the aviation sector.
In a letter addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria and dated April 30, 2026, and obtained by our correspondent, the ground handlers expressed deep frustration over what they described as prolonged silence and inaction from airline operators despite earlier engagements.
The group warned that the continued lack of response has worsened the financial burden on its members, many of whom provide essential services such as aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, and ramp operations at airports nationwide. “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,” AGHAN added.
AGHAN, in its letter, described the correspondence as a final three-day notice to defaulting airlines, after which services would be withdrawn without further notice. The letter read, “Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three 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.” Related News A’Ibom airport begins international flights, FG calls it unique hub Ogazi breaks 30-year 400m national record Air Peace clarifies Gatwick–Lagos flight disruption, denies abandoning passengers The association further stressed that beyond halting services, it would also explore “all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.” However, AGHAN adjusted the timeline of its ultimatum in recognition of workers’ celebrations.
The association further stressed that beyond halting services, it would also explore “all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.” However, AGHAN adjusted the timeline of its ultimatum in recognition of workers’ celebrations. “Accordingly, the notice period shall now run from Monday, 4th May 2026 to Wednesday, 6th May 2026, after which the intended action will take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution.” Despite the escalating standoff, the ground handlers maintained that dialogue remains possible, emphasising their willingness to avoid disruptions that could ripple across the aviation sector.