Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s foremost airlines, has suspended all its domestic flight operations across the country due to the ongoing industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The airline, in a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday in Lagos, explained that the suspension was necessary as NiMet is solely responsible for issuing critical CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports. These real-time weather updates are essential for ensuring safe aircraft landings, especially during Nigeria’s current season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
“Flight safety is our number one priority,” Ndiulo stated. “Without NiMet’s vital weather information from the control towers, operating flights would be unsafe. As a result, we have taken the responsible decision to temporarily suspend all operations until the situation is resolved.”
The NiMet strike, which began earlier this week, has disrupted the provision of vital weather data nationwide. CNH reports, in particular, are used to guide pilots in real-time about hazardous weather conditions that can affect landing visibility and general flight safety.
Air Peace has expressed regret over the inconvenience the suspension may cause passengers and promised to provide timely updates as the situation evolves. The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and compliance with global aviation standards.
There is no word yet on when the strike will end, but negotiations are reportedly ongoing between NiMet workers and the federal government.
