Ground handling operations for XEJet Airlines were brought to a complete halt on Monday. The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) directed its members to withdraw all services from the airline. The reason is an unpaid debt burden of approximately ₦300 million. The sudden withdrawal triggered operational disruptions. Passenger luggage handling and ramp support were stranded. The airline made emergency arrangements. It diverted some passengers’ check-in luggage to another domestic carrier for processing.
Ground handling debt is a recurring crisis in Nigerian aviation. In 2026, AGHAN issued a seven-day ultimatum to several indebted domestic carriers, threatening a total freeze on handling services. The association instructed defaulting airlines to liquidate at least 75% of their outstanding obligations. That ultimatum was temporarily suspended after several airlines submitted acceptable liquidation plans. XEJet did not comply. AGHAN stated that handling companies can no longer subsidise defaulting carriers at the expense of their own survival.
The service blackout was announced in a joint statement by AGHAN President Olaniyi Adigun and Vice President Bashir Ahmed. The association said XEJet repeatedly failed to honour mutually agreed debt repayment schedules despite multiple reminders and recovery windows. “Our members have made every effort to ensure that the airline complied, but its management has been recalcitrant,” the statement said. AGHAN warned other domestic carriers that it will not hesitate to execute similar service withdrawals against any airline that fails to honour contractual payment commitments. The association stressed that non-payment threatens the viability of ground handling companies, which face rising equipment costs and staff welfare commitments.
Winners: AGHAN, which asserts its bargaining power. Other domestic airlines that complied with repayment plans. Competing carriers that may absorb XEJet’s stranded passengers. Losers: XEJet Airlines, whose operations are paralysed. Passengers, who face luggage delays and disrupted travel. Ground handling staff, who lose work for the airline. The aviation sector, whose reputation suffers.
Bottom Line: XEJet owes ₦300 million. Ground handlers stopped working. Flights are disrupted. Passengers pay the price. The airline must pay its debts or cease operations. Aviation runs on trust. XEJet has lost it.