ABUJA, Nigeria – Following the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which began on April 22, 2025, Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier, has suspended all its flight operations across the country.
The suspension comes after the agency, responsible for issuing critical weather reports, failed to provide vital information necessary for safe flight operations.
NiMet’s strike has raised concerns about flight safety, particularly given the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms that occur during the season.
Air Peace, prioritizing passenger safety, stated that the decision to halt operations was necessary as NiMet’s weather reports, including the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH), are essential for ensuring safe landings, especially in adverse weather conditions.
“Without these critical reports from the NiMet control tower, flight safety cannot be guaranteed,” Air Peace explained in a statement.
The airline has apologized for any inconvenience caused to its passengers and assured them that updates and options for rescheduling flights will be provided.
Despite the suspension by Air Peace, other domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria have continued their flight operations seamlessly.
Investigation reveal that airlines are relying on alternative sources of weather data, such as real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology systems, and air traffic control services, to maintain regular flight schedules.
United Nigeria Airlines, one of the carriers unaffected by the strike, confirmed that its operations remain safe, reliable, and fully compliant with aviation standards.
The airline also assured the public that alternative arrangements were in place to ensure uninterrupted service during this period.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, reaffirmed their commitment to passenger safety and comfort, stating that the airline’s flight planning and dispatch teams were working around the clock to ensure all safety protocols were adhered to.
The strike, led by three industry unions—the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—was initiated after unresolved disputes over workers’ conditions and pay.
The unions have criticized NiMet’s management for failing to address workers’ grievances despite prior agreements.
The unions cited ongoing hardship due to insufficient remunerations and claimed that previous promises made by NiMet management to address the issue were not fulfilled.
The strike was a result of the expiration of an ultimatum given to management, which the unions said had been ignored.
The government and relevant authorities are being urged to address the concerns raised by the unions, as the disruption caused by the strike continues to affect the aviation sector.
As of now, the strike remains ongoing, with no immediate resolution in sight.
