JUST IN: Aviation Workers Shut Down Enugu Airport Over FG Concession Plan
Flight activities at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu were brought to a halt on Friday after aviation workers began an industrial protest against the Federal Government’s plan to concession the airport.
The protest followed a directive from the national leadership of aviation unions. Workers say they are unhappy with how the concession process is being handled and fear for their future under the new arrangement.
According to information obtained by Politics Nigeria, the workers shut down operations after learning that the airport had allegedly been concessioned to a South-East governor and a well-known businessman from Anambra State. The workers claim there has been no official assurance about what will happen to current staff once the concession takes full effect.
A source familiar with the situation said the workers felt ignored in the entire process.
“The airport has been concessioned without taking into consideration the welfare of the workers,” the source said.
“All we know is that they said full concessioning will come into effect in two years’ time, but nothing was said about the future of the workers when the new owners take over.”
The source further explained that labour unions in the aviation sector had tried several times to open discussions with both government officials and the alleged concessionaires. These efforts reportedly failed to produce clear answers on job security, salaries, or redeployment plans.
“Aviation unions have made several efforts to engage them, including one of the South-East governors and a popular billionaire investor from Anambra State, but they are not forthcoming on their plans for the workers,” the source added.
“So, this morning, the workers received a directive from the national offices of the aviation unions to shut down flight operations. That’s exactly what is happening.”
Following the shutdown, passengers inside the terminal were asked to leave the premises. Many were stranded without immediate alternatives for travel. All scheduled flights in and out of Enugu were suspended.
Flights from Abuja and Lagos to Enugu were also cancelled, worsening the disruption for travelers heading into the South-East.
Enugu Air later acknowledged the situation in a public notice. The airline said, “All originating flights from Enugu are currently experiencing delays due to an ongoing airport staff protest.
“Our team is contacting affected passengers directly.”
Videos circulating online showed multiple passengers gathered outside the terminal building. Some were seen arguing with airport officials. Others complained about poor communication and the sudden nature of the shutdown.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) or the leadership of the aviation unions on when operations would resume.
