Nigerian airline Air Peace has suspended all flight operations across the country with immediate effect, citing safety concerns stemming from an ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In a statement issued Wednesday, the airline said the decision was made in light of NiMet’s inability to provide essential weather updates, particularly the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports. These updates, the airline stressed, are vital for safe flight operations, especially during the rainy season when poor weather conditions increase the risk of accidents.
“We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Air Peace is suspending all flight operations nationwide with immediate effect,” the statement read.
“This decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH reports, which are critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Without these reports from the control tower, flight safety cannot be guaranteed.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the airline added.
Air Peace apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured affected passengers that they would be contacted with updates and rescheduling options.
The NiMet workers’ strike, which began on Wednesday, follows prolonged disputes over remuneration and other welfare issues. The disruption poses a wider threat to aviation operations nationwide, as the absence of weather data compromises the ability of airlines to operate safely.
The development coincided with the formal launch of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
