Flight operations at Air Peace were halted nationwide on Monday after members of the Nigeria Labour Congress locked the airline’s terminals, leaving passengers stranded at airports across the country.
The disruption began early at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where a scheduled 6:30 a.m. departure was unable to take off. Union workers blocked access to Air Peace facilities, effectively grounding the carrier’s fleet. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the work stoppage. Michael Achimugu, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, told Media Talk Africa the action was labour-related and said he would provide further details after visiting the airport.
“Yes, it is a union thing. When I get to the airport, I will be able to get more factual details of the situation,” Achimugu said.
The impact spread beyond Lagos. An airline passenger identified on X as YoufoundAlex reported being stranded at the Lagos terminal with a 9:00 a.m. appointment in Abuja. “I have a 9:00 a.m. appointment in Abuja today, but unfortunately, I am currently stranded at the Lagos airport due to an ongoing protest by Air Peace workers, which has resulted in the shutdown of the airport and disruption of flights,” the user wrote.
Hundreds of travelers faced delays and cancellations throughout the morning. Air Peace management had not issued a statement as of press time. It remained unclear whether the labour action had affected operations at other airlines.
The shutdown underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s aviation sector to industrial disputes. Air Peace, the country’s largest carrier by fleet size, operates a dense domestic network alongside regional and international routes. A prolonged grounding could disrupt commerce, medical travel, and connecting flights across West Africa.
Aviation authorities are expected to engage labour representatives to resolve the impasse. The NCAA has not indicated whether regulatory intervention is being considered. Passengers are advised to check with the airline for rebooking options and to monitor official channels for updates.
