While NiMet strike disrupts operations nationwide, Air Peace has suspended all flights, United Nigeria Airlines continues to operate, and ValueJet has issued a cautionary statement about possible disruptions.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Airlines across Nigeria are responding in varied ways as the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) continues to impact aviation. While NiMet strike disrupts operations nationwide, Air Peace has suspended all flights, United Nigeria Airlines continues to operate, and ValueJet has issued a cautionary statement about possible disruptions. Moreover, Overland and Ibom Air although watching the situation say their operations are ongoing.
Air Peace, the country’s largest private airline, announced the indefinite suspension of its entire network. The airline cited safety concerns due to the lack of QNH reports—critical barometric pressure data required for safe landings—ordinarily provided by NiMet.
In a statement, Air Peace said: “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.”
In aviation, QNH is a barometric pressure setting that pilots use to calibrate their altimeters so they can read the altitude above mean sea level (MSL) accurately. QNH is provided by meteorological agencies like NiMet (Nigerian Meteorological Agency) to the control towers. It is crucial during takeoff and landing, especially in bad weather, because it ensures pilots know their exact height above sea level. Without accurate QNH, safe descent and landing become risky, particularly during low-visibility conditions caused by rain, thunderstorms, or fog.
The airline confirmed that operations will remain grounded until NiMet resumes full meteorological services. It urged passengers to remain patient while updates on rescheduled flights are communicated through official channels.
In contrast, United Nigeria Airlines has continued regular flight operations, insisting that it maintains high safety standards through alternative meteorological data sources.
“While NiMet provides essential meteorological support to the aviation sector, our operations continue seamlessly through the deployment of alternative and internationally recognized weather data sources,” the airline stated.
United Nigeria listed real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology systems, and coordination with air traffic control services as part of its safety toolkit. It also expressed hope for a swift resolution to the strike, noting NiMet’s importance to the aviation sector.
Meanwhile, ValueJet has not halted operations but issued a public advisory acknowledging the potential for delays or disruptions if the strike persists. The airline assured travelers that it would continue monitoring the situation closely.
In a brief statement, ValueJet said, “We are currently operating flights as scheduled. However, due to the ongoing NiMet strike, there may be some flight disruptions. We will keep the public informed should the action affect our services.”
Moreover, Overland which commenced inaugural flight to Bola Ahmed Tinubu Airport, Minna also confirmed its flight operations are ongoing. Ibom Air has also confirmed flight operations.
As the NiMet strike disrupts operations, some airlines are choosing to pause services entirely, while others adjust their flight safety strategies. This divergence highlights the industry’s varying approaches to risk and regulation during a nationwide operational challenge.
Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official airline channels as the strike continues to unfold, potentially affecting air travel across Nigeria.
