Air Peace has announced the suspension of all flight operations nationwide in response to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline cited the absence of critical QNH (hazardous weather) reports—essential for safe landings—as a key reason for the halt in operations.
“Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of QNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over,” the airline said.
“Your safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and will share updates as the situation unfolds.”
Before the full suspension, the airline had warned that the NiMet strike could lead to delays and cancellations across its flight network.
Air Peace also stated it is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with relevant stakeholders in an effort to reduce the impact on passengers’ travel plans.
New Daily Prime reported that Nimet flight operations were disrupted on Wednesday at major airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano following protests by staff of the Nimet.
In response to the strike, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the protesting unions to hold today (Thursday).
Stakeholders react to Nimet strike
The Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees, Timothy Meshelia, confirmed the disruption: “The protesting staff are accusing the management of NiMet of failing to implement the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, non-payment of staff allowances, ignoring requests to include omitted staff in past payments, and neglecting key training programmes, among other issues. The association has given the management one month to implement the new minimum wage or face industrial action.”
Speaking from the union’s perspective, National Deputy President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Uzor Oluchi, criticised the agency’s poor treatment of staff.
“The welfare of NiMet staff is very poor. If you come to the aviation industry, NiMet staff are paid less. As I’m talking to you, a level 4 NiMet staff is collecting N31,000 despite the minimum wage that the Federal Government is giving,” she said.
