Air Peace has disclosed that it lost more than N2 billion in revenue following the disruption of its operations by aviation unions at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The airline said the industrial action, which disrupted thousands of passengers’ journeys, also raised concerns over airport security and the protection of workers and passengers.

Speaking at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, its Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, called on the Federal Government, security agencies, airport authorities and aviation regulators to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

Olajide alleged that some Air Peace employees were physically assaulted during the picketing, including a female worker who was reportedly left with bruises and bleeding.

She questioned the circumstances that allowed individuals to gain access to restricted airport areas and disrupt flight operations, describing airports as sensitive national assets that should be adequately protected.

The airline also warned that it would hold the unions responsible for any compensation claims arising from the disruption if affected passengers seek redress.

The dispute followed an ultimatum issued by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) over the remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and allegations that some airlines were preventing workers from freely joining unions.

The unions, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, subsequently commenced picketing after the issues remained unresolved.

Air Peace, however, maintained that the action contravened a subsisting Federal High Court judgment obtained in April 2024, which it said restrained the unions from coercing or harassing its employees over union membership.

Olajide further argued that the disruption amounted to unlawful interference with aviation operations and called for appropriate action by the relevant authorities.

She also warned that union members involved in the incident could face consequences under aviation regulations, urging all parties not to cross what she described as the “red line” again.