Flight operations at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu were completely suspended on Friday following an industrial protest by aviation workers opposing the Federal Government’s plan to concession the facility.
The protest, which began in the early hours of the day, was carried out in compliance with a directive issued by the national leadership of aviation unions across the country. Workers expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the concession process and raised serious concerns about their job security, welfare, and future under the proposed private management arrangement.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the workers took the drastic step after learning that the airport had allegedly been concessioned to a serving South-East governor and a prominent businessman from Anambra State. They claimed no official communication or guarantees had been provided regarding the fate of existing staff once the concession takes full effect.
A source within the airport environment stated:
“The airport has been concessioned without taking into consideration the welfare of the workers. 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 revealed that aviation unions had repeatedly sought engagement with relevant government officials and the alleged concessionaires—including one of the South-East governors and a well-known billionaire investor from Anambra State—but received no satisfactory responses on critical issues such as job security, continuity of salaries, redeployment options, or other staff entitlements.
“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.”
As a result of the industrial action, all flight activities—both arrivals and departures—were brought to a complete halt. Passengers already inside the terminal were asked to vacate the premises, leaving many stranded with no immediate travel alternatives.
Several flights originating from Abuja and Lagos to Enugu were cancelled, while outbound services were also suspended, causing significant disruption for travellers heading to or from the South-East region.
Enugu Air, one of the airlines operating from the airport, later issued a public notice acknowledging the situation:
“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 on social media showed large crowds of frustrated passengers gathered outside the terminal building. Some were seen arguing with airport officials, while others voiced complaints about the lack of prior communication and the abrupt nature of the shutdown.
As of the time of this report, neither the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) nor the leadership of the affected aviation unions had issued an official statement indicating when normal operations would resume at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions in the aviation sector over the government’s concession programme, with workers and unions demanding greater transparency, consultation, and firm assurances on job protection before any handover to private entities.
Passengers planning to travel to or from Enugu are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates on flight status and possible re-accommodation arrangements. Further developments are expected as negotiations between the unions, FAAN, and relevant government authorities continue.
