Air Peace Airlines has halted all flight operations across Nigeria due to a strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which has disrupted critical weather services essential for flight safety.

In an official statement, the airline clarified that NiMet is responsible for issuing the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports, crucial for ensuring safe landings, especially during the rainy season when thunderstorms are frequent. Without these reports, Air Peace emphasized that it cannot guarantee flight safety.

“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the airline stated. “We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling.”

The strike, which began on April 22, 2025, is supported by three major 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).

The unions have expressed frustration over the poor remuneration faced by NiMet workers, which they say has led to extreme poverty and hardship. Despite efforts to resolve these issues, the unions stated that agreements made with NiMet management in January 2025 had not been honored.

A circular from the unions announced:
“In light of the management’s failure to address our concerns and after the expiration of our ultimatum, we are left with no choice but to resume the suspended strike. All NiMet staff nationwide are directed to withdraw their services indefinitely from midnight, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, until further notice.”