Flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, were abruptly halted on Friday as aviation workers embarked on an industrial protest against the Federal Government’s concessioning plan.
Sources said the shutdown followed a directive from the national leadership of aviation unions amid growing concerns over how the concession process could affect workers’ welfare and job security.
According to insiders, the workers were particularly angered by reports that the airport had been concessioned to a South-East governor and a prominent Anambra-based businessman without clear assurances regarding the future of existing staff.
“The concession arrangement did not take the welfare of workers into account,” a source disclosed.
“We were only told that full concessioning would take effect in about two years, but nothing was said about what happens to the workforce when the new operators assume control.”
The source added that aviation unions had made several attempts to engage both government officials and the alleged concessionaires, including key political and business figures from the South-East, but received no firm commitments on staff protection.
“As a result, the national offices of the aviation unions directed workers this morning to shut down flight operations, and that is exactly what is happening,” the source said.
The protest forced passengers out of the terminal, leaving many stranded, while all flight activities at the airport were suspended. Enugu-bound flights from Abuja and Lagos were also put on hold, worsening the disruption.
Enugu Air, in a statement on its official X handle, confirmed the development, noting that originating flights from Enugu were experiencing delays due to the ongoing protest and that affected passengers were being contacted directly.
Videos circulating on social media showed frustrated passengers gathered around the airport premises, expressing anger over the sudden shutdown and lack of timely information from authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain official reactions from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and aviation unions were unsuccessful.
