Authorities investigate airport runway obstruction, detain three Air Peace vehicles

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it is holding three Air Peace buses in custody, following allegations that the vehicles obstructed the runway at Lagos airport during an industrial action staged by aviation unions on Tuesday.

n

According to ASP Muhammed Adeola, spokesperson for the Police Airport Command, the buses are currently being investigated to determine who drove them onto the runway, with no arrests made yet.

n

Adeola stated that the investigation aims to get to the root of the incident, and the buses will play a crucial role in identifying those responsible for driving them to the area.

n

The police spokesman explained that the airline may not willingly provide the names of the drivers, but with the buses in custody, investigators will be able to uncover the truth.

n

The industrial action, which targeted Air Peace, grounded the airline's operations at Lagos and Abuja airports, causing disruptions to travel plans and leaving passengers to seek alternative transportation.

n

The action was taken in response to claims that Air Peace owed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority the largest amount in unpaid five per cent Ticket Sales Charge.

n

Prior to the action, the unions had issued three warnings to airlines that had allegedly failed to remit the five per cent TSC to the NCAA, threatening to picket them.

n

The unions also alleged that some domestic airlines made it difficult for employees to join trade unions, with workers fearing discrimination or victimisation if they expressed interest in union membership.

n

Despite giving the affected airlines several weeks to resolve their grievances, the unions described the industrial action as a measure of restraint.

n

It was reported that large buses belonging to Air Peace were driven to the airside, parked, and obstructed the movement of other airlines operating from the area.

n

Aviation security expert Group Capt John Ojikutu (retd) stated that the incident exposed significant gaps in airport security, blaming both the NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for allowing the buses to access the airside.

n

Ojikutu, who previously oversaw security at the airport, characterized blocking any part of the airside by an unauthorized person as an act of terrorism, emphasizing that access to the airside is subject to strict security procedures.

n

According to Ojikutu, any vehicle authorized to access the airside must be equipped with a radio and obtain clearance from the control tower before entering or moving around the area.

n

Ojikutu questioned how the buses gained access to the airside, highlighting the need for clearance from the control tower and a radio in the vehicle.

n

The aviation expert emphasized that the incident posed a significant security risk and should be taken seriously, calling for the NCAA to ensure that security measures are in place to prevent such incidents.