Azman Air Places Nearly Entire Workforce on Compulsory Unpaid Leave Amid Operational Suspension

Azman Air, one of Nigeria’s domestic airlines, has ordered nearly its entire workforce to go on compulsory leave without pay as the airline temporarily halts its operations. The decision was conveyed in a circular signed by the Human Resources Manager, Magaji Mohammed Misau, dated August 3, 2023. Only eight senior staff members were exempted from the leave directive.

The circular, titled “Placement Of Leave Without Pay,” explained the situation, stating: “As you are aware our domestic operations have been put on hold for a while, due to the conveyance of our Aircraft for C-Checks and the MROs have given a longer time of completion write and communicate its decision that all staff have been placed on Leave Without Pay with effect from 1st August, 2023.”

Azman Air’s Public Relations Officer, Nurudeen Aliyu, elaborated on the reasons behind the suspension of operations, pointing to the maintenance of their aircraft as the primary factor. “Two of our aircraft are in maintenance, and three are due for C-check, and that’s why we suspended our domestic operation. Our aircraft will be back in October. The overhead is heavy, so the management decided to put the company on hold,” Aliyu stated.

Azman Air has faced several challenges in the past, including the suspension of its license in 2022 due to a N1.2 billion ticket sales debt and the expiration of necessary operational documents. The airline now plans to resume operations and recall its staff in October 2024, once the maintenance of its fleet is completed.

The situation underscores the difficulties facing domestic airlines in Nigeria, where operational costs and regulatory issues have forced several carriers to temporarily suspend services or significantly scale back operations. Azman Air’s move to place its staff on unpaid leave highlights the financial strain on the company as it works to address these challenges and prepare for a relaunch later this year.