The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria, AGHAN, has suspended ground handling services to Max Air over outstanding debts, effectively grounding the airline’s domestic operations across the country.
AGHAN Chairman, Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, says the action became necessary after the airline allegedly failed to engage in discussions aimed at reconciling and settling its debt, despite repeated efforts by ground handling companies.
He noted that other indebted airlines are already negotiating repayment plans and signing agreements with service providers.
The association says it can no longer sustain the financial strain caused by prolonged non-payment and warned that the move should serve as a signal to other airlines with outstanding obligations.
However, AGHAN clarified that Max Air’s ongoing Hajj operations will not be affected, as handling charges for those flights are paid directly by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Industry sources estimate the airline’s debt to major handling firms, including SAHCO and NAHCO, at about one billion naira.
Efforts to obtain a response from Max Air were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen