In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline emphasized that the decision, though difficult, was made out of an abundance of caution and a firm commitment to passenger safety. At the heart of the suspension is the unavailability of NiMet’s Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports — a critical component of flight operations, especially during the ongoing rainy season.
“This decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH reports, which are critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Without these reports from the control tower, flight safety cannot be guaranteed,” the statement read.
The airline noted that the absence of real-time weather updates from NiMet poses serious operational and safety risks, particularly with the recent surge in thunderstorms and heavy rains across the country. Given the prevailing weather conditions, reliable meteorological data is essential for pilots to make informed landing and routing decisions.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the airline added. “We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling.”
NiMet’s strike, which began earlier this week, has disrupted critical aviation weather services at airports nationwide, leaving airlines with limited access to real-time meteorological data required for safe operations.
Air Peace has appealed to passengers for understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty. While no timeline has been given for the resumption of services, the airline reiterated its commitment to prioritising human lives and safety over operational concerns.
As the aviation sector awaits a resolution to the ongoing impasse between NiMet and relevant authorities, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to restore services and minimize disruptions across Nigeria’s airspace.