Air Peace Suspends Nationwide Flights as NiMet Workers’ Strike Disrupts Aviation

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has halted all flight operations across the country, effective April 23, 2025, in response to an ongoing strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The indefinite industrial action, which began at midnight on April 22, 2025, has crippled NiMet’s ability to provide critical weather reports, posing significant safety risks to air travel during Nigeria’s rainy season. The suspension has left thousands of passengers stranded, with ripple effects felt across the aviation sector, including cancellations by some international carriers.

Strike Grounds Essential Weather Services

The NiMet workers’ strike, spearheaded by unions including ‘’‘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)’’’, has disrupted the agency’s delivery of vital meteorological data. NiMet is responsible for issuing Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports and QNH (altimeter setting) reports, which are crucial for safe aircraft operations, particularly landings. These reports are especially critical during the current rainy season, characterized by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and turbulent weather conditions.

Air Peace, in a statement released on April 23, 2025, cited passenger safety as the primary reason for suspending its operations. “The absence of reliable weather updates from NiMet compromises our ability to ensure safe flights,” the airline said. “We cannot operate without these critical services, as they are mandated by international aviation safety standards.” The decision aligns with protocols set by the ‘’‘International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’’’, which emphasizes the importance of accurate meteorological data for flight safety.

Roots of the NiMet Strike

The NiMet workers’ grievances stem from long-standing issues, including abysmal wages, failure to implement agreed financial allowances, and inadequate working conditions. Union leaders have decried the agency’s salary structure, with some employees earning as little as ₦28,000 (approximately $17 USD) per month—an amount insufficient to cover basic living expenses in Nigeria’s inflationary economy. Workers also highlighted disparities between NiMet’s pay scales and those of other aviation agencies, such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to NiMet management on April 2, 2025, demanding action on agreements reached during a January 29, 2025, meeting. These agreements included adjustments to the minimum wage, payment of outstanding allowances, and improved welfare packages. However, the unions accused NiMet of breaching 70% of the terms, prompting the indefinite strike after the ultimatum expired on April 16, 2025.

“We have been patient for too long,” said Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of NUATE. “Our members cannot continue to work under these conditions while management and the government drag their feet. This strike is a last resort to demand fair treatment.” Protesters at NiMet offices in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations carried placards with messages like “Pay us what we deserve” and “No weather reports, no flights.”

Widespread Aviation Disruptions

The strike’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. On April 23, 2025, major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt reported significant flight delays and cancellations. Passengers flooded social media with complaints, sharing images of crowded terminals and abandoned check-in counters. Some domestic airlines faced accusations of violating safety protocols by operating flights despite the absence of NiMet’s weather data, a move criticized by aviation experts as risky.

International carriers, including ‘’‘British Airways’’’ and ‘’‘Qatar Airways’’’, also suspended flights to Nigeria, citing compliance with ICAO standards that mandate reliable meteorological support. “Without NiMet’s weather reports, we cannot guarantee the safety of our operations,” a British Airways spokesperson said. The suspensions have raised concerns about Nigeria’s connectivity to global markets, with potential economic implications if the strike persists.

NiMet Management and Government Response

NiMet’s management, led by Director-General Professor Charles Anosike, expressed disappointment at the strike, claiming that 70% of the unions’ demands had been addressed. “The remaining 30% require approvals from higher government authorities, and we are actively working on this,” Anosike said in a statement on April 23, 2025. He urged the unions to call off the strike and return to the negotiation table, emphasizing NiMet’s commitment to resolving the dispute.

The ‘’‘Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’’’, has intervened, scheduling an emergency meeting with NiMet management and union leaders on April 24, 2025. The meeting aims to broker a resolution and restore normalcy to the aviation sector. However, union leaders have warned that the strike will continue until their demands are fully met, raising the specter of further disruptions. There are also fears that other aviation unions, such as the ‘’‘Air Traffic Controllers’ Association’’’, may join the strike in solidarity, which could paralyze Nigeria’s airspace entirely.

Air Peace’s Response and Passenger Support

Air Peace, which operates over 200 daily flights and serves millions of passengers annually, has assured affected customers that they will be contacted with updates and res ‘X’ posts circulating on April 23, 2025, confirmed the suspension and included a commitment to reschedule flights once NiMet services resume. The airline’s customer service team is reportedly overwhelmed, with long wait times for passengers seeking refunds or rebooking options.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this situation, which is beyond our control,” Air Peace stated. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority, and we will resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so.” The airline has advised passengers to monitor its official website and social media channels for real-time updates.

Industry and Economic Implications

Aviation analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s economy, which relies heavily on air travel for business, tourism, and cargo transport. The timing of the strike is particularly challenging, as the rainy season increases the demand for accurate weather forecasting. Small and medium-sized enterprises, such as travel agencies and logistics firms, are already reporting losses due to canceled flights and delayed shipments.

“This is a wake-up call for the government to prioritize the welfare of aviation workers,” said Captain John Ojikutu, a Lagos-based aviation security consultant. “NiMet’s role is indispensable, and underfunding the agency has consequences for the entire industry.”

Looking Ahead

As the strike enters its third day, all eyes are on the April 24, 2025, meeting between NiMet, the unions, and government officials. A swift resolution could see flights resume by the weekend, but a protracted dispute risks further cancellations and potential escalation if other unions join the action. For now, passengers are left in limbo, with Air Peace and other airlines urging patience while emphasizing their commitment to safety.

For the latest developments, passengers are advised to check Air Peace’s official communications or follow reputable news outlets such as Aviation Metric (aviationmetric.com) or Premium Times (premiumtimesng.com). The resolution of this crisis will hinge on the government’s ability to address NiMet workers’ demands and restore confidence in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.