The Association of Ground Handling Companies of Nigeria (AGHAN) has directed its members to issue seven-day notices of service suspension to two major domestic airlines over prolonged unpaid bills.

The two unnamed airlines account for more than 70% of the total outstanding debt owed to AGHAN member companies, according to a statement issued following the association’s Sept. 4 executive meeting.

Under the proposed terms, the affected airlines must pay 75% of their outstanding obligations within seven days. The remaining 25% would be settled through mutually agreed repayment plans completed within 90 days.

AGHAN said persistent payment defaults have placed financial pressure on ground handling companies, affecting their ability to meet obligations to employees, suppliers, lenders and other stakeholders. The association also warned that the debt burden could limit investments needed to maintain safe and efficient ground handling operations.

The association urged the airlines to use the notice period to engage with their handling providers and reach payment arrangements that would prevent service disruptions.

Despite the financial challenges, AGHAN said its members remain committed to investing in personnel, ground support equipment, technology, training, safety systems and quality assurance.

The latest ultimatum follows earlier enforcement action against Max Air in June, when ground handlers suspended services to the airline over unpaid debts. AGHAN has not identified the two airlines targeted by the new notices.