₦9bn Debt: Ground Handlers Move to Halt Operations, Airlines Risk Service Disruption

₦9bn Debt: Ground Handlers Move to Halt Operations, Airlines Risk Service Disruption

Operators’ silence irks AGHAN  The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has escalated its standoff with domestic airlines, moving toward withdrawing services due to an outstanding debt exceeding ₦9 billion.  The five major handling companies involved are NAHCO, SAHCO, Butake, Precision, and Swissport. If services are withdrawn, both domestic and international flight operations across Nigeria will face near-total disruption, as these firms provide the critical ground support required for any flight to depart or arrive. Following the expiration of…

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Honouring pilots: A global perspective, through the lens of operational excellence

Honouring pilots: A global perspective, through the lens of operational excellence

In commemoration of World Pilot Day (April 26, 2026), Captain Cooker, Director of Operations at OAS Helicopters, shares insights into the realities of aviation, unpacking the discipline and systems that define the profession beyond what the public typically sees. The conversation also comes at a notable moment for the industry, following Nigeria’s recent achievement of a 91.45% aviation safety performance mark, a milestone that reflects continued progress in safety standards, oversight, and operational compliance across…

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Minister urges AON to halt operations shutdown, summons emergency meeting

Minister urges AON to halt operations shutdown, summons emergency meeting

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to rescind their planned nationwide shutdown of operations scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026. The Minister’s intervention follows a final appeal issued by domestic airlines, who cited an unbearable and unsustainable300% increase in the price of aviation fuel (Jet A1) within just two months. The operators stated that Jet A1 prices jumped from N900/litre on February 28…

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ValueJet to begin Accra operations, March 30th

ValueJet to begin Accra operations, March 30th

All is now set for the launch of ValueJet’s Lagos-Accra-Lagos flights. The inaugural flight is scheduled for March 30th 2026. This is coming as the carrier moves forward with its regional expansion. Flights will depart from the new terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, daily at 8:00 am, with return flights from Accra to Lagos by 9:00 am, and passengers can now book at www.flyvaluejet.com This expansion follows the successful launch of its first international…

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Air Peace resumes flight operations

Air Peace resumes flight operations

Air Peace will on Friday resume flight operations following the suspension of the industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and other labour unions in the aviation sector.     The airline in a statement on Thursday said,” We sincerely thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support throughout this challenging period. Your resilience and trust in our brand mean the world to us.” The carrier commended what it described as the active…

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Pilots working for two airlines expose aviation underbelly

Pilots working for two airlines expose aviation underbelly

Working for two airlines simultaneously is the highest level of exposing the aviation industry to risk. In truth, pilots aren’t supposed to work for two airlines, since there’s no way to manage rest in a situation like that, writes, WOLE SHADARE  Quick intervention The timely intervention of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to nip in the bud the practice by pilots of flying for multiple airlines at the same time is commendable. For the…

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Costly operations impacting African airlines’ performance-AFRAA

Costly operations impacting African airlines’ performance-AFRAA

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) said its primary focus is to create a sustainable, interconnected and affordable African air transport industry. The AFRAA Secretary-General, Abderahmane Berthé highlighted the areas of action for the airline industry to address the high cost of operations that is impacting the performance of the continent’s airlines. He told Aviation Metric that while Africa’s aviation industry continues to perform strongly, with increased passenger traffic and improved operational efficiency with key drivers including expanded…

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RwandAir Commits to Sustained Cargo Operations

RwandAir Commits to Sustained Cargo Operations

RwandAir has committed to Cargo Agents in Nigeria to sustain its Cargo operations out of the country to build its market share in that space. The commitment was made during a recent Cargo Agents Workshop held at Presken Hotel, Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos recently to get their feedback relating to the airline’s service delivery, address pressing concerns, and outline its plans to enhance cargo operations. The Airline’s Regional Manager, Mr.  Dennis Rwiliriza disclosed that the…

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Nigeria, Brazil hold talks, initiate direct flight operations

Nigeria, Brazil hold talks, initiate direct flight operations

FG designate, Air Peace, Caverton to Brazil, sets up draft committee Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has begun high-level discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil. The discussion with the Brazilian Envoy resulted from the directive handed to the Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to open BASA talks with Brazil after the President…

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NCAA digitalise to streamline operations

NCAA digitalise to streamline operations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has concluded plans to embark on a digital transformation to streamline its operations and enhance oversight.  The regulatory body is introducing digital platforms for processing approvals, licenses, renewals, and passenger complaints. Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, made this announcement at the launch of a training program for the new Consumer Protection Portal in Lagos. He emphasised that the portal will expedite complaint resolution and serve as a…

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