The Association of Professional Meteorologists of Nigeria, a professional body within NiMet, has recently written to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) regarding the actions of some airlines that are flying without proper meteorological briefings and reports.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had commenced strike actions over what it described as “poor conditions of service and unmet needs.”
NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing weather reports to airlines and pilots.
In light of these developments, Air Peace has announced the suspension of its flight operations, while other airlines continue to operate, relying on alternative sources for weather reports, BusinessDay reports.
In a letter by Awotu Auptre, chairman of the Abuja branch, and Adeyewa, President of the Nigeria Meteorology Society, it is stated that the statement made by United Airlines regarding the use of a quack form to obtain meteorological information is considered risky for Nigerian aviation users due to safety reasons.
It is noted that United Airlines are not trained to issue meteorological reports or have received ISO certification to embark on this fruitless and fatal journey for the Nigerian aviation sector.
Auptre mentioned that the professional body, along with the Nigerian Meteorological Society, has contacted ICAO and WMO.
It is indicated in the letter that the actions being followed by United Airlines are seen as rude and contradictory to best practices, with airline safety being threatened and the lives of Nigerian aviation users being prone to air accidents and crashes.
United Nigeria Airlines on Wednesday affirmed that its flight operations remain fully safe, reliable, and compliant with aviation regulatory standards.
In a public 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.
The airline noted that alternative arrangements have been made to bridge any potential gaps.
“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.
