Flight disruptions are expected in Nigeria's aviation sector after the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) issued a final ultimatum to airline operators over unpaid debts. In a letter dated April 30, 2026, AGHAN warned the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) that failure to settle outstanding obligations would lead to the withdrawal of ground handling services. The association cited accumulated debts from multiple airline companies as the primary reason for the potential service halt. Ground handling services include essential operations such as baggage loading, aircraft refuelling, passenger boarding assistance and aircraft towing. A complete withdrawal would severely affect flight schedules at all major Nigerian airports. AGHAN did not specify a deadline for payment but stated that immediate action was required to avert operational collapse. The association represents private firms contracted by airlines to provide ground support services at airports nationwide. Financial strain on these firms has intensified over the past 18 months due to delayed payments. No response from AON was reported following the release of the letter. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has not issued a public statement on the matter.
AGHAN is demanding payment from airlines while warning of service withdrawal, yet it has not disclosed how much is owed or by which carriers. Passengers face potential flight cancellations despite having no role in the financial dispute. If services are suspended, travellers who have paid for tickets will bear the immediate cost. The standoff exposes the fragility of Nigeria's aviation support systems to contractual delays.
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