Ground handling services for XEJet Airlines halted abruptly on Monday as the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria directed members to withdraw support over an unpaid debt of approximately N300 million, forcing the domestic carrier to divert passenger luggage.
Handling companies severed ramp support and baggage processing after months of failed negotiations over mounting financial obligations. The joint statement was issued by AGHAN President, Olaniyi Adigun, and Vice President, Bashir Ahmed.
AGHAN Enforces Total Withdrawal as Debt Reaches N300 Million
The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria pulled the plug on XEJet on Monday after the airline repeatedly missed agreed payment deadlines. Association leaders stated that while other domestic carriers facing similar debts managed to negotiate workable liquidation plans and commence settlements, management at XEJet remained uncooperative and recalcitrant.
The action was taken after the carrier reportedly did not stick to established repayment schedules, even though association members repeatedly tried to reclaim the money owed. AGHAN warned that members will keep withholding services from the carrier until it clears all money owed, noting that XEJet leadership also supposedly neglected to enter discussions with them regarding the arrears.
“We decided to direct our members to withdraw services from XEJet Airlines because it has over time, failed to meet up with its payment plans. Our members have made every effort to ensure that the airline complied, but its management has been recalcitrant.”
Olaniyi Adigun and Bashir Ahmed, AGHAN President and Vice President
The total unpaid balance sits at roughly N300 million. Handlers reported a 100 per cent compliance rate among members in executing the service boycott.
Operational Fallout Forces Passenger Luggage Diversions
Without ramp support, passenger check-in desks, and baggage handling, XEJet scrambled for emergency workarounds. To cope with the immediate consequences, the airline had to put urgent contingency plans into action, which involved transferring specific passenger check-in bags to a competing local airline for handling. This abrupt halt in services has caused logistical setbacks for XEJet, leaving ramp operations and passenger baggage services paralyzed.
The airline diverted affected passengers’ check-in luggage to a competing domestic operator for processing. Operations involving ground support for the local carrier XEJet Airlines abruptly ground to a standstill on Monday once the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) instructed its affiliates to halt all ramp assistance and handling duties instantly due to roughly N300 million in unpaid liabilities.
Ground handling firms stressed that their own survival depends on regular cash flow. They face severe macroeconomic pressures, including soaring equipment maintenance expenses and escalating payroll obligations.
“We can’t continue to operate like this. Why are some companies not willing to pay for services rendered to them? This is intentional. It is affecting our members at all cadres. We need to increase our equipment, while also boosting the welfare of our staff, but we can’t do this when some organisations are not willing to pay for services rendered to them.”
Olaniyi Adigun and Bashir Ahmed, AGHAN President and Vice President
Ultimatums, Failed Payment Plans, and Warnings to Other Carriers
The shutdown follows a prior seven-day ultimatum issued across the sector by AGHAN. Association leadership warned that any other domestic carrier that defaults on settled financial arrangements will face an identical service blackout.
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