ATC Strike: Flight delays hits Airports

By Uche Mbah

Routine operations at local Airports across the country, have slowed down as the  Air Traffic Controllers Association began a two day strike Tuesday.

The strike is a warning strike, with a notice of a major strike after two weeks if their demands are not met.

They are demanding for better working conditions.

A statement from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association signed by NATCA National President, Abayomi Agoro; and General Secretary, Agbonlahor Felix Tuesday  warned that the Air Traffic Controllers would slow down traffic flow.

Departure time was generally delayed by 20 minutes on all domestic flights at the four major airports; Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano.

The statement read in part:

“It will be recalled that an Air Traffic Controller, Anniekan Effiong, slumped and died during the early hours of Monday while on duty at the Abuja control tower. This informed an emergency meeting of the Executive Council of NATCA yesterday.

“The Executive Council of our noble profession met yesterday and discussed extensively on the state of ATC operations vis-a-vis our collective survival within the system.”

The Association lamented the operations of the ATC system which disregarded the welfare of ATC officers, and ultimately became a death trap for officers.

“Commencing from 6am Nigerian time today, 23rd November 2021, all ATC units nationwide should operate flow control. All departures should be spaced at 20 minutes interval. All international flights are exempted.

“That all ATCOs should endeavour to be on high alert should there be a need to escalate this exercise beyond flow control, we are ready to further such actions. That this exercise will be for two days and will be strictly executed at the four major airports with strict coordination from adjacent aerodromes before any start up is issued.”

“That ATC operational rooms are provided with adequate and quality ATC operational chairs and headsets.

“That at least 500 ATCOs be recruited to address the critical dearth in ATC manpower within the next two years starting with 70 recruits within the next three days.”

Recall that a Manager at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday slumped and died while on active duty.

Aniekan Effiiong, Air Traffic Controller of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA, had slumped and died at  the left side of the Abujan Airport TRACON.

Before his death, he was an Assistant General Manager, Operations, NAMA.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Khalid Emele, NAMA,  Monday, confirmed the incident.

“He was a hard-working and dedicated staffer who died at the prime of his career.

“Effiong reported to duty at the Abuja TRACON on November 21, 2021 at 6pm without any sign of illness whatsoever. He was to close by 7am today (Monday). However, at about 4am this morning, he experienced difficulty in breathing. A FAAN ambulance was called to take him to the nearest medical facility. He was immediately taken to the Air Force base clinic, where he died.”