April 24, (THEWILL) – The ongoing strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet ) is already taking a toll on most of the airlines, especially the domestic carriers.
As the strike enters its second day, airlines are carefully considering different possibilities or choices before making a decision of flying or not.
THEWILL gathered that virtually all the airlines are still flying, with the exception of Air Peace, which had suspended flight operations due to safety reasons.
Ibom Air, Rano Air, Arik Air, Value Jet, Overland Airways, United Nigeria Airlines and others flew on Wednesday, even when the strike was still ongoing.
But for safety reasons, Air Peace has already announced the indefinite suspension of all its flight operations nationwide due to the ongoing strike.
This decision comes as NiMet’s industrial action has disrupted the transmission of critical weather reports, particularly the QNH, which are essential for safe flight operations, especially during landing procedures.
Air Peace emphasised that pilots cannot land in any airport without receiving the QNH report from the control tower, which is generated by NiMet. Given the current season marked by frequent rainfall, thunderstorms, and unpredictable weather patterns, the airline has expressed grave concern over the risks of operating flights without these mandatory safety updates.
“As a safety-conscious airline, we cannot take the risk of proceeding with flight operations without the QNH report from NiMet, which is a non-negotiable requirement for safe landings. This is a critical period with heightened weather hazards, and the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”
The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force until the NiMet strike is resolved and full meteorological services are restored nationwide.
Air Peace has urged affected passengers to remain patient and assured them that updates regarding flight rescheduling and further instructions will be communicated via official channels.
The airline also appealed directly to the striking workforce of NiMet to consider the far-reaching implications of the ongoing disruption and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the government toward an amicable resolution, in the interest of national safety and continuity in the aviation sector.
On the other hand, United Nigeria Airlines has continued to operate, and to allay the fears of passengers, the airline has assured their customers over the potential impact of the ongoing industrial action by NiMet, affirming that its flight operations remain fully safe, reliable, and compliant with aviation regulatory standards.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the airline expressed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and confidence of its passengers during this period of uncertainty.
The statement, signed by Chibuike Uloka, Public Relations Officer of the airline, highlighted proactive measures already in place to guarantee uninterrupted operations across its routes.
“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to reassure our valued passengers and the general flying public that our flight operations remain safe, reliable, and fully compliant with regulatory standards, despite the ongoing industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)”, the statement read in part.
Acknowledging the critical role NiMet plays in providing meteorological support to Nigeria’s aviation sector, the airline noted that alternative arrangements have been made to bridge any potential gaps.
These include the deployment of internationally recognised weather data sources, such as real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology systems, pilot weather reports, and robust coordination with air traffic control services.
“Our flight planning and dispatch teams are fully equipped and working round-the-clock to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly observed, and passenger comfort remains uninterrupted”, the airline affirmed.
United Nigeria Airlines further echoed the industry-wide appeal for a swift and constructive resolution to the ongoing strike, underlining the importance of NiMet’s contribution to overall aviation safety.
The airline expressed solidarity with the broader aviation community in encouraging dialogue and amicable resolution, so as to minimise disruptions to flight operations nationwide.
“At United Nigeria Airlines, the safety, comfort, and confidence of our passengers remain our top priority. We appreciate your continued trust in our services.”
This reassurance comes at a time when many travellers have expressed concern over flight disruptions linked to the NiMet strike.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
