Air Peace Suspends Nationwide Flight Operations Amid NiMet Strike Over Safety Concerns
Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has announced the suspension of all flight operations across the country with immediate effect, citing safety concerns arising from the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In an official statement issued by the airline’s management on Tuesday, Air Peace expressed regret over the disruption, but maintained that the decision was necessary due to the critical role NiMet plays in ensuring flight safety, particularly in the current season of heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms.
NiMet, the agency mandated to provide CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, has been on strike, thereby halting the issuance of essential weather updates to control towers nationwide.
These reports are pivotal for pilots and air traffic controllers, especially during adverse weather conditions, as they aid in making informed decisions about take-offs and landings.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the statement read.
Air Peace acknowledged the potential inconvenience the suspension may cause to its customers, extending sincere apologies while assuring affected passengers that they would be contacted regarding updates and options for rescheduling their flights.
The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, noting that flight operations would only resume once it is confident that the requisite meteorological services have been fully restored.
The development highlights the far-reaching impact of the NiMet strike on the aviation industry and underscores the critical role of meteorological services in the daily operations of airlines.
The strike was triggered by issues concerning staff welfare and nonchalance of government, leading to several failed promises.
Sources within the agency’s management have expressed disappointment over the industrial action, stating that many of the issues raised by the unions are either resolved or currently being addressed.
Speaking anonymously, the top management official revealed that the decision by the unions to embark on the strike took the agency by surprise, especially in light of recent correspondence in which the unions had commended the agency’s leadership for its labour-friendly disposition.
“Management is disappointed with the hardline taken by the unions when some of the issues in dispute have been resolved, and others are in various stages of resolution,” the source stated.
According to the official, the agency had formally responded to the strike notice issued by the unions, detailing the status of each item raised. However, the decision to proceed with the strike regardless of these efforts has sparked concern among agency leadership.
“It is surprising that the unions resorted to strike action because the unions themselves recently wrote and thanked management for its labour-friendly policies. Makes you wonder if there are other motives or there are people bent on sabotaging management,” the source added.
The official, however, affirmed that NiMet’s management is not relenting in its pursuit of an amicable resolution. He disclosed that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has scheduled a meeting with all stakeholders for Thursday, 24th April 2025, to chart a path forward.
“Management is hopeful that the unions will listen to reason. No one bites off his nose to spite his face,” the source concluded.
The ongoing strike has already forced major airlines, including Air Peace, to suspend operations nationwide due to the unavailability of essential meteorological services such as the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports, which are critical for safe flight operations.
The aviation sector is now eagerly anticipating the outcome of the ministerial intervention tomorrow.
