A strike by the Cabin Crew of Arik Air on Friday disrupted the airline's flight operations leaving hundreds of its passengers stranded across the country.
The strike began around 6.00am when passengers were trying to board their flights at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
A reliable source said that the workers embarked on the strike to press home their demands for increased wages and better working conditions.
However, Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), said the union was not informed about the strike by the workers.
Abioye said the management of Arik Air had informed the union that it had increased the salaries of the workers across board but was yet to implement the increase.
"The management told us that they need approval from the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) which is currently in charge of the airline before the increase can be implemented.
"So, to us, such delays are expected. We know that the workers have the right to demand for their wages but such things can be done through dialogue.
"Our interest as a union is to see Arik Air flying and not the grounding of their operations, " he added.
Some of Arik Air's passengers resorted to changing their travelling plans following the over four hours delay of their flights.
One of the passengers, Mr John Odusi , said he bought a one-way ticket from Lagos to Abuja at N45, 000 three days ago.
" I came this morning and we were told that the cabin crew is on strike and that our flight will be delayed.
"I am really confused because I have an early morning appointment in Abuja, " he added.
Another passenger, Mrs Chioma Odey, said an agent assisted her in buying an Air Peace ticket for Abuja immediately she sensed that there was going to be a disruption on Arik Air operations.
Odey said she would be demanding for a refund of her ticket from Arik Air when she returns from her trip.
When contacted, the Corporate Communications Manager of Arik Air, Mr Ola Adebanji, said the airline would soon issue a statement explaining their position on the situation.
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