Flights Resume at Enugu Airport After Workers’ Protest Over Concession Plan
Flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, have resumed after a temporary shutdown by aviation workers protesting the Federal Government’s plan to concession the airport.
The disruption occurred on Friday when a coalition of airport workers reportedly shut down the terminal in reaction to the decision by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to concession the facility. Union sources said the protest was triggered by what they described as inadequate consultation with key aviation stakeholders before the agreement was signed.
As a result of the shutdown, access to the airport was restricted, leaving many passengers stranded and causing the disruption of several scheduled flights.
Earlier in January, the minister signed a concession agreement for the Enugu airport, a move that drew strong opposition from major aviation unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
In a joint letter to the minister, signed by their general secretaries — Frances Akinjole, Sikiru Waheed, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu — the unions criticised the concession process as “insensitive, opaque and exclusionary.” They warned that industrial action could be taken if their concerns were ignored.
Barely nine days after issuing the warning, the unions reportedly carried out the shutdown, halting airport operations, restricting the movement of passengers and vehicles, and disrupting flight schedules.
However, Enugu Air later confirmed via its official X account that normal operations had been restored at the airport. The airline noted that some flights were still experiencing delays due to the earlier protest.
In a statement to passengers, the airline said:
“Dear valued passengers, we would like to inform you that normalcy has been restored at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. However, please note that our morning flights were affected by the protest, and rescheduling may occur.”
Passengers were advised to check their flight schedules and notifications before heading to the airport to avoid delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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