Flights to resume across West, Central Africa as air traffic controllers halt strike

Air traffic controllers under the aegis of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) have suspended their strike. 

In a statement on Saturday, the Union of Air Traffic Controllers’ Unions of Asecna (USYCAA) said the strike has been put on hold for 10 days to allow for negotiations.

The union said more than 700 air traffic controllers joined the strike to demand better working and pay conditions.

“Air traffic services will be provided in all air spaces and airports managed by ASECNA from today Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 1200 GMT,” the statement reads.

“This new suspension is granted by the air traffic controllers of ASECNA to once again give a chance to dialogue with a view to satisfaction of their protest platform in eight (8) points.”

ASECNA said relevant authorities had assured that they would look into the union’s demands. 

Across the continent, airport operations were largely grounded as the air traffic controllers embarked on the strike on Friday.

A passenger flying with Asky Airline said her Saturday morning flight from O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Lagos was cancelled at the point of checking in.

“The airline just collected our numbers and said they would inform us when they are ready to fly. No favourable information till now,” she told TheCable.