Air Peace Buses Block Lagos Runway During Aviation Union Strike

• The Nigeria Police Force is investigating the obstruction of the runway at Lagos airport by three Air Peace buses during a strike by aviation unions.
• The incident has raised concerns about airside security and compliance with air traffic regulations.
• Aviation expert Group Capt John Ojikutu (retd) believes that obstructing the runway can be considered an act of terrorism.
• Air Peace's operations were affected at both Lagos and Abuja airports due to the industrial action by aviation unions.

Blocking any part of the airside by an unauthorized person can be characterized as an act of terrorism, stressing that access to the airside is subject to strict security procedures.

The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into the obstruction of the runway at Lagos airport by three buses belonging to Air Peace during a strike by aviation unions on Tuesday. The police have taken custody of the vehicles, which were driven onto the airside and caused disruptions to aircraft movement. According to ASP Muhammed Adeola, spokesperson for the Police Airport Command, investigations are ongoing to identify the drivers responsible for taking the buses to the runway. Although no arrests have been made, the police are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. The obstruction of the runway was a result of the industrial action staged by aviation unions, which also affected Air Peace's operations at Abuja airport.

The incident has raised concerns about airside security and compliance with air traffic regulations. Aviation security expert Group Capt John Ojikutu (retd) has pointed out that blocking any part of the airside by an unauthorized person can be characterized as an act of terrorism. This is because access to the airside is subject to strict security procedures, including obtaining clearance from the control tower and being equipped with a radio. The expert has also criticized the NCAA and FAAN for allowing the buses to gain access to the airside and reach a point where they could disrupt aircraft movement. He believes that both agencies should have taken steps to prevent such incidents.

The industrial action by aviation unions was targeted at Air Peace over claims of debt to the NCAA in respect of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge. The unions had issued warnings to airlines that refused to remit the charge, threatening to picket them if they did not comply. The strike disrupted travel plans and left passengers scrambling for alternative means of transportation. The incident has highlighted the need for airlines to comply with air traffic regulations and for regulatory agencies to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Lawyers advising airlines on compliance with air traffic regulations should note that obstructing the runway can be considered an act of terrorism, and may trigger strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Source: Original reporting via NAN