All flights to Owerri, Imo State, from airports across Nigeria have been blacklisted by the unions in the aviation industry. The decision is in response to the brutalization of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri last week. The aviation unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), jointly issued a statement confirming this action.

The unions declared Governor Hope Uzodimma persona non grata in all airports and directed aviation workers to withdraw all services to Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria, effective midnight on November 8, 2023. The statement also instructed aviation workers at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, to stay at home from the same date. The unions will meet to discuss modalities for carrying out the directive in Lagos and Abuja. The notice advises airports' managements, airlines, intending passengers, and the public about the situation.