AGHAN Issues Three-Day Ultimatum to Airlines Over N9bn Debt

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has issued a final three-day ultimatum to airline operators over an estimated N9 billion debt, warning that it may withdraw critical ground handling services nationwide if payments are not made within the deadline.

In a letter addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria dated April 30, 2026, AGHAN expressed frustration over what it described as prolonged silence and failure by airlines to respond to repeated demands for settlement of outstanding obligations.

The association said earlier correspondence sent on April 20, 2026, had not received any formal response, commitment, or payment plan from affected airlines despite prior engagements.

Read Also:

• nnpc-signs-mou-with-chinese-firms-to-revive-warri-port-harcourt-refineries
• nigeria-risks-losing-investors-over-slow-business-registration-ekene-warns

“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,” AGHAN stated.

It added that the continued lack of response has placed significant financial and operational strain on its members, many of whom provide essential services including aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, and ramp operations across Nigerian airports.

“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,” the association said.

AGHAN noted that it had previously issued a seven-working-day ultimatum, which it said was ignored by airline operators, prompting the escalation of its position.

The association described its latest communication as a final notice, giving indebted airlines three days to settle all outstanding obligations or face withdrawal of services without further recourse.

“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,” it stated.

AGHAN also warned that it may pursue legal recovery actions under applicable laws in addition to operational sanctions if the debts remain unpaid.

It confirmed that the revised notice period runs from May 4 to May 6, 2026, after which enforcement actions would take effect if no satisfactory resolution is reached.

The association, however, said it remains open to immediate dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute and avoiding disruptions to aviation operations.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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,” AGHAN stated.

The group also disclosed that relevant government and security agencies, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department of State Services, have been copied on the matter due to its potential economic and security implications.

AGHAN stressed that the dispute carries far-reaching consequences for airport operations, passenger movement, and overall aviation safety if not urgently resolved.

Industry observers note that ground handling services are critical to airline operations, and any disruption could lead to flight delays, cancellations, and operational bottlenecks across airports.

The dispute highlights ongoing financial tensions within Nigeria’s aviation sector, where service providers continue to face liquidity challenges linked to airline indebtedness.

Attempts to obtain a response from the Airlines Operators of Nigeria spokesperson were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned at the time of filing this report.

Stakeholders in the aviation industry are expected to intensify mediation efforts in the coming days to prevent a potential shutdown of ground handling services.

The outcome of the ultimatum is being closely monitored due to its potential impact on domestic and international flight operations in Nigeria.