Employees of Gambia International Airlines (GIA) staged a sit-down strike this week at the company’s headquarters at Banjul International Airport, voicing frustration over worsening operational challenges, unpaid benefits, and what they described as government favoritism toward private competitor Niro.
Workers cited mounting financial difficulties, limited access to medical benefits and employee loans, and the loss of clients to Niro due to differences in service pricing. Several employees said the situation has left staff demoralized and uncertain about the future of the national carrier.
One female employee told reporters that staff were frustrated by unfulfilled promises and declining operations. She linked GIA’s financial struggles to challenges that emerged following Niro’s entry into the Gambian aviation market. While stressing that workers were not opposed to Niro’s presence, she argued that GIA deserved a fair opportunity to compete.
Another employee appealed directly to President Adama Barrow to intervene in what he described as a three-year-old dispute. He claimed GIA could not effectively compete if Niro continued to benefit from alleged government support. He emphasized that GIA employs more than 400 workers, compared to fewer than 200 at Niro, and therefore carries greater responsibility for national employment.
Other workers raised concerns about the government’s role in the aviation sector, noting that GIA is majority state-owned while Niro operates privately. One employee alleged that the Ministry of Transport has financial interests in Niro, saying that concerns raised by GIA staff were not receiving adequate attention.
Employees also highlighted seasonal challenges, noting that GIA operates around seven flights during the off-season, rising to about 13 in peak periods. They warned that competition from airlines offering lower fares could further erode GIA’s operations. In addition, workers expressed frustration over limited access to healthcare services and loans, calling for urgent government and management action to address longstanding issues.
The protest underscores growing tensions in The Gambia’s aviation sector, where questions of fair competition, national interest, and employee welfare are increasingly at the forefront
