Aviation Workers Protest at Lagos Airport, Disrupt Turkish Airlines Operations

Operations of Turkish Airlines were disrupted on Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after aviation workers staged a protest over the alleged dismissal of seven union members.

The demonstration, organised by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), resulted in the picketing of the airline’s service counters at the airport’s international terminal, preventing normal operations and forcing many passengers scheduled to travel on the airline to abandon their trips.

Union members gathered at the terminal carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs while accusing the airline’s management in Nigeria of targeting workers who attempted to unionise. The protest created significant disruption at the departure area, leaving several travellers who had already completed check-in unable to board their flights.

According to the union, the dispute centres on the dismissal of seven employees in 2020, whom it claims were removed from their positions because of their involvement in union activities. Labour representatives also alleged that the affected workers had yet to receive their entitlements years after the termination of their employment.

NUATE further accused the airline of failing to comply with a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria directing that the dismissed workers be compensated and reinstated.

In a circular dated March 9, 2026, the union’s General Secretary, Sikiru Waheed, said the protest became necessary after efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue proved unsuccessful.

The union argued that the airline had continued to disregard Nigerian labour laws and the court’s directive concerning the affected employees.

The industrial action disrupted passenger movement at the airport, as travellers who had planned to depart Lagos on the airline were left stranded when access to the airline’s counters was blocked.

The disagreement between the airline and labour unions has persisted for several years. In 2024, the Nigeria Labour Congress instructed its affiliates in Lagos State to shut down the airline’s operations over the same dispute, maintaining that the workers were dismissed for joining NUATE.

Labour leaders have indicated that further protests could occur if the airline fails to comply with Nigerian labour regulations and address the demands concerning the dismissed workers.

When contacted for comment, a public communications executive for the airline, Taiwo Talabi, said a response would be provided but none had been issued as of the timthis report was filed.