Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has announced the immediate suspension of all its domestic flight operations due to an ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In a statement released on Wednesday, the airline emphasized that the suspension is a safety measure, citing the critical role of NiMet’s weather updates—particularly the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports—in ensuring safe landings during Nigeria’s rainy season.
The statement read:
“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.
“This decision is necessary because NiMet is responsible for issuing CNH reports, which are vital for safe landings, especially during this period of heavy rains and thunderstorms. Without these updates from the control tower, flight safety cannot be guaranteed.
“As a safety-first airline, we are prioritising the well-being of our passengers and crew by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and assure our passengers that they will be contacted with updates and rescheduling options.”
The disruption follows the commencement of industrial action by NiMet employees on Wednesday, who are protesting longstanding issues related to pay and benefits.
The development coincides with the formal launch of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, officiated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.