Passengers of Arik Air were forced to return home while others took alternative measures to conclude their journey when protesters from the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) picketed against various grievances at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos.
We gathered that protesters, numbering over a hundred stormed the General Aviation Terminal of the airport and successfully grounded the operations of the airline over claims that Arik owes over N1 Billion to the various aviation agencies.
The protesters also claimed that they owe over 5 months of salary to workers.
This led to passengers being stranded at various airports across the country.
The terminal was deserted after the protest as many who had been booked on Arik flight sought alternatives.
The airline has not commented on the development which has been a recurring issue between the airline and the unions who have traded accusations and counter accusations over the exact amount the airline is said to owe various aviation agencies at the airport.
