A fresh crisis is unfolding in Nigeria’s aviation industry as ground handling companies threaten to suspend services over a debt exceeding N9bn owed by domestic airlines, sparking concerns about possible widespread flight disruptions from Tuesday.

The impending showdown follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria, raising the risk of significant disruptions to both domestic and international operations if the dispute remains unresolved, according to The Punch.

In a letter addressed to the airlines, AGHAN — the umbrella body representing five major ground handling firms — accused carriers of failing to honour their financial commitments, warning that the situation is undermining the operational stability of its members.

These companies provide essential ground services that ensure seamless flight operations.

In a letter dated April 21, 2026, jointly signed by AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun and Vice Chairman Ahmed Bashir, and addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the association formally notified carriers of a potential suspension of services.

Copies of the correspondence were also forwarded to key government and security officials, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and other relevant authorities.

Ground handling services — including passenger check-in, baggage handling, aircraft marshalling, and ramp coordination — are critical to the smooth execution of daily airline operations.

In the letter, AGHAN said, “This situation has continued to exert significant pressure on the operational capacity of our members, adversely affecting their ability to deliver sustainable, efficient, and safe services. It has also created considerable financial strain on the management and workforce of the affected organisations.”

The association said that despite several attempts to engage airline operators and secure repayment of the outstanding debts, there has been minimal progress.

“Despite repeated engagements and efforts made in good faith by our members to secure settlement of these obligations, the responses received thus far have not yielded the desired outcomes, with payment commitments largely unmet,” the letter noted.

AGHAN warned that it could be forced to take drastic measures if the situation continues unresolved.

“In light of the foregoing, and to safeguard the continued viability of our members’ operations, we wish to respectfully notify you that our members may be constrained to withdraw services should these outstanding debts remain unresolved within seven days from the date of this letter,” the letter added.

AGHAN apologised to passengers for any inconvenience the looming disruption may cause, while reiterating its commitment to resolving the dispute amicably.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from the airline operators were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to the spokesperson of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, who also serves as Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo—were not returned.