By Abu Faisal


Air Peace Ltd., Nigeria’s largest airline, announced Wednesday an immediate suspension of all domestic flight operations nationwide following an indefinite strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the airline said.

The cessation of flights stems directly from NiMet’s critical role in providing real-time hazardous weather reports, known as Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH), which are essential for ensuring safe aircraft landings, particularly during the current rainy season and its associated thunderstorms, according to a statement released by Air Peace.

“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” stated Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications for Air Peace, in the Lagos-issued statement. He emphasized that the absence of these reports from air traffic control towers compromises the airline’s ability to guarantee passenger safety.

Ndiulo acknowledged the likely disruption to travelers, offering a “sincere apology” for any inconvenience caused. He assured that affected passengers would be contacted with updates regarding the resumption of services and options for rescheduling their flights.

The Humanitarian Times gathered Tuesday that NiMet staff initiated the open-ended strike to protest their conditions of service and other unspecified demands. The timing of the industrial action coincides with a period of increased weather-related risks for air travel across the country.