The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has withdrawn its services from Max Air over alleged unpaid debts estimated at about N1 billion, disrupting the airline’s domestic flight operations across the country on Thursday.
The action triggered widespread operational disruptions, marking one of the most significant enforcement steps yet taken against defaulting airlines in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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AGHAN Chairman, Olaniyi Adigun, said the decision followed the airline’s failure to engage in reconciliation talks, despite repeated attempts at resolving outstanding obligations amicably.
According to him, while other indebted airlines have opened discussions and are progressing towards repayment agreements, Max Air has remained unresponsive.
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“We took the decisive action on Max Air today (Thursday) because the airline refused to negotiate with us. While the other debtor airlines are negotiating with us, Max Air has blatantly refused to negotiate with the handling companies,” Mr Adigun said.
“Some of the other debtor airlines are already on the verge of signing Memoranda of Understanding with our members on debt repayment. This action should serve as a signal to other airlines that ground handling companies can no longer continue to provide services without payment.”
He, however, said the suspension would not affect the airline’s Hajj operations, noting that handling charges for pilgrimage flights are paid directly by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Investigations indicated that Max Air’s indebtedness to two major ground handling firms—Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc – is estimated in the neighbourhood of N1 billion.
The development comes amid months of friction between ground handling companies and several airlines over rising unpaid service charges.
AGHAN had earlier threatened to impose service suspension on defaulting carriers, and initially fixed 1 May 1 as the enforcement date before halting the action in observance of Workers’ Day and in order to maintain industrial harmony.
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The association later issued a fresh three-day ultimatum, demanding reconciliation of accounts and clear repayment plans from affected airlines.
It warned that continued non-payment by airlines is placing severe financial pressure on ground handling firms and threatening the sustainability of critical aviation support services.
“The ground handling companies can no longer continue to shoulder the burden of providing services without payment,” the association said.
As of press time, the airline has yet to issue any official statement on the withdrawal of services or respond to PREMIUM TIMES’ request for comments.
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