Table of Contents
Air Peace Airlines, Nigeria’s leading indigenous carrier, has announced the immediate suspension of all flight operations across the country in response to the ongoing strike action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The abrupt decision, which affects both domestic and regional routes, was made in the interest of passenger safety, according to a statement released by the airline.
Why the Suspension?
Air Peace explained that NiMet is solely responsible for providing crucial weather data, especially Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports. These reports are essential for ensuring safe aircraft landings, particularly during Nigeria’s current rainy season, which is known for sudden thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and unpredictable atmospheric conditions.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the statement read.
“We understand this decision may cause inconvenience to our passengers, and we deeply apologize. We are already reaching out to affected travelers with updates and rescheduling options.”
The Strike Behind the Shutdown
The disruption in NiMet’s operations stems from an industry-wide strike spearheaded by three aviation unions:
- National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE)
- Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE)
- Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)
In a circular issued to their members, the unions stated that they had exhausted all peaceful avenues to address the “exceedingly unjust” remuneration system that has led to widespread poverty and severe hardship among NiMet employees.
“We have endured years of neglect and failed promises,” the unions lamented.
“Our attempts to negotiate better working conditions and fair pay have not yielded any meaningful outcomes. The management’s consistent breach of agreements—most notably those made since January 29, 2025—left us no choice but to resume our suspended strike action.”
As a result, all NiMet staff have been directed to withdraw their services indefinitely, effective from midnight on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This includes meteorological support at all airports nationwide, thereby disrupting critical weather communication between pilots and control towers.
Implications for Aviation and Travel
The suspension of NiMet services has had a domino effect on the aviation sector. Airlines are unable to obtain the real-time meteorological data needed for safe flight planning and landings. Without this, operating any flight becomes a serious safety risk.
Air Peace, known for its extensive domestic network and growing international footprint, becomes the first major airline to publicly ground its fleet due to the strike. Other carriers may soon follow suit if the impasse continues.
What Next for Travelers?
The airline has assured passengers that communication lines remain open, and affected customers will receive support with rescheduling or refunds.
This situation highlights the fragile interdependence within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, where one agency’s shutdown can paralyze an entire industry. For now, all eyes are on NiMet and the Federal Government to resolve the labor dispute and restore full functionality to the nation’s skies.
