The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has escalated its standoff with domestic airlines, moving toward withdrawing services due to an outstanding debt exceeding N9 billion.
The five major handling companies involved are National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), Butake, Precision and Swissport. If services are withdrawn, both domestic and international flight operations across Nigeria will face near-total disruption, as these firms provide the critical ground support required for any flight to depart or arrive.
Following the expiration of an initial seven-day ultimatum on April 28, 2026, the association has indicated that it may now issue a final three-day notice, in accordance with labour laws, to formally halt operations. In a letter jointly signed by the Chairman of AGHAN, Olaniyi Adigun and Vice chairman, Ahmed Bashir and addressed to the President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, titled:
“Outstanding Indebtedness and Final Notice of Withdrawal of Services”, dated April 30, 2026, the duo expressed disappointment that as of the date of correspondence, they were yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from member airlines regarding the outstanding indebtedness.
This continued lack of response, they said, has further heightened the financial and operational strain on the ground handlers, who they said have consistently made good-faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success.
They said: “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, in addition to pursuing all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.
“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.” AGHAN claims domestic carriers owe approximately N9.3 billion for services including passenger check-in, baggage handling, aircraft marshalling and ramp services.
The airlines have expressed significant distress of their own, reporting losses of over N150 billion in the first two months of 2026 alone. Airlines are struggling with the profitless growth paradox, citing skyrocketing jet fuel prices, which have hit N3,300 per litre and the high cost of aircraft maintenance. Some airline representatives have argued that threatening a shutdown is counterproductive, as the handlers’ business is entirely dependent on active airline operations.
