The Association of Ground Handling Companies of Nigeria (AGHAN) has given two major domestic airlines seven days to pay 75 per cent of their outstanding debts or risk suspension of ground handling services, raising the prospect of flight disruptions if the carriers fail to meet the demand.
AGHAN disclosed the ultimatum in a joint statement signed by its Chairman, Olaniyi Adigun, and Vice-Chairman, Ahmed Bashir Gulmah, following an executive meeting held in Lagos on Friday, September 4, 2026. The Guardian reported the development on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The association did not name the two airlines but said their debts collectively account for more than 70 per cent of the total outstanding indebtedness owed to its member companies, according to the statement reported by The Guardian on September 9, 2026.
Under the terms of the notice, the affected airlines must pay 75 per cent of their outstanding obligations within seven days. The remaining 25 per cent is to be settled through mutually agreed structured repayment plans to be completed within 90 days, AGHAN said.
AGHAN also directed its members to issue formal seven-day notices of suspension to the affected airlines. Trust Radio, reporting on September 9, 2026, said the association warned that failure to meet the payment conditions could lead to the withdrawal of ground handling services.
The services at risk include passenger baggage handling, aircraft towing, passenger boarding stair operations and cabin cleaning. These are among the services required to support aircraft turnaround and normal airline operations at airports.
AGHAN said the action was driven by the financial pressure created by prolonged non-payment from some airline customers. In its statement, the association said the failure of some airlines to meet their obligations was affecting ground handlers’ ability to meet commitments to employees, suppliers, statutory stakeholders, lenders and shareholders.
The latest ultimatum comes after a similar debt dispute with Max Air in June.
On June 11, 2026, AGHAN suspended ground handling services to Max Air over an alleged debt of nearly ₦1 billion. BusinessDay reported on June 11 that the suspension effectively halted the airline’s domestic operations, while AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun said Max Air had failed to engage in discussions to reconcile and settle its outstanding debt.
The suspension was lifted less than 24 hours later. In a statement reported by Premium Times on June 13, 2026, AGHAN said Max Air had re-engaged with its members and paid a substantial amount towards its outstanding obligations.
The latest dispute therefore puts renewed attention on the financial relationship between airlines and the companies providing essential ground services at Nigerian airports.
AGHAN urged the two affected airlines to use the seven-day notice period to engage their respective ground handling companies and meet the payment conditions to prevent any disruption.
The association also said it remained committed to working with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), airport authorities, airlines and other stakeholders to improve safety, operational efficiency and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
