Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has suspended all flight operations across the country, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports nationwide.
It was gathered that Air Peace’s flight suspension flight comes in response to a strike action initiated by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) workers, which has disrupted critical weather forecasting services essential for safe flight operations.
This was confirmed in a statement signed by the head of corporate communications, Air Peace, Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Ndiulo, the decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
He said without these reports from the control tower, flight safety could not be guaranteed.
The statement reads: “As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.
“We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling.”
It was also gathered that Air Peace’s flight suspension has led to chaotic scenes at major airports, including Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and Port Harcourt International Airport.
Travellers, many of whom were unaware of the strike, arrived at terminals to find cancelled flights and limited communication from airline staff.
Also, many passengers were stranded at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State, following a protest by NiMET workers in the state.
NiMET workers had downed tools on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 by 00.00hrs, demanding improved working conditions and benefits, Pan-Atlantic Kompass broke the news Monday.
The industrial action was announced by three major aviation unions: the National Union of Air Transport Employees(NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
The aviation unions said the strike became necessary after the NiMET allegedly failed to listen to their demands.
The unions accused the agency of allegedly failing to keep to its bargaining agreement reached on January 28, 2025.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NiMET, the aviation unions accused NiMET’s management of squandering their goodwill and reneging on promises made in an agreement signed on January 28.
The letter sighted by Pan-Atlantic Kompass was jointly signed by Ochema Aba, general secretary of the NUATE, Abdul Rasaq Saidu, secretary-general of the ANAP, and Sikiru Waheed, general secretary of the AUPCTRE.
