The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria has handed airlines a final ultimatum over an estimated N9 billion debt, warning that it will suspend essential ground handling services if the outstanding payments are not settled within three days.

In a letter dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, the association expressed strong dissatisfaction over what it called continued silence and lack of action from airline operators, despite previous discussions.

“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.

The association had previously issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to the airlines, but said the notice was ignored.

The group warned that the persistent lack of response has deepened the financial strain on its members, many of whom deliver critical services including aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, and ramp operations at airports across the country.

“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.

In the letter, AGHAN described the communication as a final three-day notice to defaulting airlines, warning that services would be withdrawn without any further notice if payments remain outstanding.

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.”

The association added that, in addition to suspending services, it would pursue “all other remedies available under applicable laws” to recover the outstanding debts. However, AGHAN revised the timeline of its ultimatum in consideration 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,” it stated.

Despite the intensifying standoff, the ground handlers said they remain open to dialogue, stressing their readiness to prevent disruptions that could have wider consequences for the aviation sector.