May 18, (THEWILL) – The decision of Air Peace to suspend all flight operations nationwide during the recent strike action embarked upon by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been commended.
In April 2025, Nigeria’s aviation sector faced a significant challenge when the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) embarked on an industrial action, halting the provision of critical meteorological services essential for flight operations.
Amidst this disruption, Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, made the conscientious decision to suspend all flight operations nationwide, citing safety concerns due to the unavailability of NiMet’s services.
Stakeholders in the industry have applauded such a move, saying that such a step, though disruptive to passengers and operations, underscores a commitment to safety that aligns with both national and international aviation standards.
Commending Air Peace, Lagos-based Aviation Public Relations Practitioner, Laolu Thomas, commended the airline for such safety precautions.
In an official statement issued Sunday, Laolu noted that NiMet’s role in aviation is indispensable and that the agency provides real-time weather forecasts, wind patterns, visibility reports, and other meteorological data that are crucial for flight planning and safe operations.
He pointed out that the absence of such data can compromise flight safety, especially during Nigeria’s rainy season, characterised by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Air Peace’s decision to ground its fleet, he said, was not merely a precaution but a necessary step to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
According to him, the importance of NiMet’s services is further emphasised by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Senator Festus Keyamo SAN, who stated, “services that NiMet provides are indispensable in aviation” and that “it is unsafe to fly without their services.” This acknowledgement from the highest levels of aviation oversight reinforces the critical nature of meteorological data in ensuring flight safety.
Explaining further, Laolu stated that internationally, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) mandates the provision of meteorological services for international air navigation, adding that ICAO’s Annex 3 outlines the standards and recommended practices for meteorological services, emphasising their role in the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation.
“Operating flights without access to official meteorological data not only contravenes these standards but also exposes airlines to significant risks”, the PR practitioner said.
He noted that while some domestic airlines continued operations during the NiMet strike, relying on alternative weather data sources, this approach raises concerns.
He emphasised that the Association of Professional Meteorologists of Nigeria criticised such practices, highlighting the dangers of using unverified sources for weather information.
Moreover, he opined that reliance on unofficial data could have implications for insurance coverage, as policies often stipulate adherence to official protocols and data sources.
“Air Peace’s decision, though financially taxing, reportedly resulting in losses of about N3 billion demonstrates a prioritisation of safety over profit. This stance garnered commendations from international aviation organisations, lessors, and insurers, recognising the airline’s commitment to upholding safety standards.
“Air Peace’s suspension of flight operations during the NiMet strike reflects a deep-seated commitment to safety and adherence to both national and international aviation standards. In an industry where the margin for error is minimal, such decisions, though challenging, are essential in maintaining the trust and safety of the flying public”, he added.
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.
