LAGOS, Nigeria — Ground handling companies in Nigeria have restored services to Max Air after the airline made a partial settlement of outstanding debts and returned to negotiations, reversing a suspension imposed just 24 hours earlier.
Okay News reports that the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) announced the reinstatement in a joint statement issued on Friday, June 12, 2026, signed by Chairman Olaniyi Adigun and Vice Chairman Bashir Ahmed.
“We have to lift the handling suspension on Max Air after it commenced negotiations with our members,” Adigun said, adding that the airline had made a substantial payment toward its outstanding obligations to ground handling companies.
AGHAN had suspended ground handling services to Max Air on Thursday, June 11, 2026, over unpaid debts and what it described as failure by the airline to engage in reconciliation efforts. The association said some airlines had already entered repayment discussions, but Max Air had not engaged at the time of suspension.
Adigun stressed that the association remains committed to ensuring airlines meet their financial obligations despite industry pressures, noting that ground handling firms continue to face rising operational costs and foreign exchange-related challenges. He warned that prolonged indebtedness could affect efficiency and service delivery across airports.
AGHAN had previously considered enforcement action in May 2026 but delayed it due to Workers’ Day observance and industrial harmony concerns.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has seen repeated disputes over debts, regulatory actions, and recovery efforts involving airlines and related operators. In April 2024, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said a 2022 Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority audit found Dana Air financially unfit due to liabilities exceeding assets and prolonged negative equity.
In January 2025, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) reaffirmed plans to recover approximately N227 billion (approximately $148 million) from Arik Air as part of broader non-performing loan recoveries. In November 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos ruled on the repossession of a CRJ1000 aircraft leased to Arik Air, reinforcing enforcement of aviation leasing agreements.
