Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s top airlines, has temporarily halted all its domestic flights in response to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The airline made the announcement on Wednesday, citing critical safety concerns arising from the suspension of weather forecasting services vital for flight operations.
In a statement issued by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace emphasized that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew. NiMet, which provides essential weather data, including the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH), has been unable to deliver these crucial reports due to the ongoing industrial action, leaving airlines without vital information needed for safe navigation, particularly amid the seasonal thunderstorms and heavy rains.
“Safety is our top priority, and in light of the ongoing disruption in weather services, we have suspended all flights until NiMet resumes its full service,” Dr. Ndiulo said. “We understand this may cause significant inconvenience to our passengers, and we apologize for the disruption. We are working to keep everyone informed and will offer rescheduling options once the situation is resolved.”
The strike, which has affected NiMet’s ability to provide necessary weather advisories, has raised alarm within the aviation industry. Experts warn that the lack of real-time weather updates could compromise flight safety, especially as Nigeria faces challenging weather conditions during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the situation continue, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stepping in to coordinate discussions between NiMet’s management, the unions, and other stakeholders. A crucial meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, with hopes that a resolution will be reached soon.
Air Peace has assured passengers that they will be kept updated on any changes and will receive options to reschedule their flights once weather data services are reinstated. The airline remains committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for its operations.
