FLIGHT OPERATIONS RESUME AT ENUGU AIRPORT FOLLOWING AVIATION WORKERS’ PROTEST. (PHOTO).

 Flight Operations Resume at Enugu Airport Following Aviation Workers’ Protest

ENUGU, Nigeria – Flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu resumed late Friday afternoon, February 6, 2026, following a morning of intense industrial action that left hundreds of passengers stranded.

The disruption began in the early hours of Friday when aviation workers, acting on directives from their national unions—including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)—withdrew their services. The workers were protesting the Federal Government's recent move to concession the airport to private investors.

The strike was a direct response to a 30-year concession agreement signed on January 23, 2026, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

Unions described the concession process as "opaque" and "procedurally flawed," alleging that labor representatives were sidelined during final negotiations.

 Employees expressed deep anxiety over job security and future welfare, claiming no binding agreements were signed to protect existing staff once the new managers, Aero Alliance, take control.

All departing and arriving flights from major hubs like Lagos and Abuja were suspended. Video and photos from the scene showed passengers forced out of the terminal building, waiting with luggage under the morning sun.

By 2:41 PM, reports confirmed that the gates had reopened and check-in procedures had commenced. The resumption followed a preliminary engagement between union leaders and aviation authorities, though union representatives warned that the peace might be temporary if their demands for a transparent dialogue are not met.

"The airport has been concessioned without taking into consideration the welfare of the workers... we received a directive to shut down flight operations until we are heard," one worker stated during the heat of the protest.

While the Federal Government maintains that the concession is necessary to modernize the aging infrastructure and boost the regional economy, the friction with labor unions highlights a significant hurdle in the administration's "Aviation Master Plan."

For now, airlines like Enugu Air and Air Peace have begun rescheduling delayed flights, advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.