Passengers stranded as workers picket Lagos Airport terminal
There were massive flight disruptions at the Murtala Muhammed Airport private terminal popularly known as MMA2 yesterday when aviation unions shut down the terminal operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).
Apart from hundreds of passengers who were stranded at the airport, many businesses operating in the terminal including banks, eateries, bureau de change operators, among others were closed.
The unions comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) made good their threat to shut down the terminal despite a court order restraining them from carrying out the shutdown.
They have been at loggerheads with the MMA2 management disengagement their members.
Spokesman of Bi-Courtney, Mr, Steve Omolale, had in a statement disclosed that the company had obtained a restraining order from a over the of some of Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to stop the shutdown.
Despite the court order, members of the union as early as 6:00 am yesterday stormed the terminal and barricaded the entrance and exit of the terminal amidst tight security.
With about six airlines operating at the terminal including Dana Air, MedView, Arik Air, Max Air, Azman Air, Aero Contractors, many flights could not depart yesterday, leaving passengers stranded all through the day.