Passengers stranded at Lagos Airport

 Passengers Stranded at MMIA as NAHCO Workers Embark on Strike

ZAINAB JUNAID

Strong indications have emerged that many flights will be disrupted today as scores of international passengers were left stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos following a strike embarked upon by workers of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo Plc) on Monday morning over alleged salary issues.

The workers had slated Monday morning for the commencement of their strike due to non satisfaction in their salary structure. 

The ground handling company handles airlines such as Delta, Turkish Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar, and Air France-KLM are some of the airlines the company handles and also do check-in, boarding, and ramp services for many international carriers.

One of the airlines handled by the ground handling company, Virgin Atlantic was left with no other choice but to withheld flight due to the strike action this morning despite its plea to the NAHCO Workers to please rescind their actions while NAHCO management look into the issue. All their moves end in null avoid. 

Many of its passengers today are students who are returning to schools in the United Kingdom, had arrived at the international wing of the Lagos airport for their flights, unaware of what awaited them. Many were seen throwing words at some NAHco workers for choosing to embark on strike as confusion reigned at the terminal.

General Sales Agent (GSA) for Virgin Atlantic Airways, Chief John Adebanjo stated that the situation had already put its passengers in a panic mode as the airline was optimistic that the situation would be resolved and passengers allowed to board for their 10 am flight.

However, it was gathered that NAHCO management had met with the staff on Sunday over the proposed strike but assured that the situation will be addressed soon.

The situation as at the time of filing this report depicted that more airlines could be affected by the problem created by the Staff of NAHCO company today.