Air Peace has announced the cancellation of flights to and from Warri, Ibadan, Akure, Ilorin, Calabar, and Uyo due to unscheduled maintenance on its aircraft. The disruptions, which will affect operations on January 15 and 16, 2025, were confirmed in a statement issued by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, on Wednesday.
The airline emphasized that affected passengers have been promptly informed through multiple communication channels to minimize inconvenience. “We sincerely regret the disruptions and wish to reassure our esteemed customers of our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards,” the statement read.
Industry Concerns on Cancellations and Delays
This development underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where flight delays and cancellations are common. Between September and October 2024, Nigerian airlines recorded 5,225 delays and 901 cancellations, accounting for 48.3% and 8.3% of total flights, respectively.
Passengers have increasingly expressed frustrations over inadequate communication during disruptions. At a stakeholders’ meeting in December 2024, key aviation players, including the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, discussed the need for better coordination. Suggestions included trimming schedules, improving customer updates, and keeping standby aircraft to reduce disruptions.
Air Peace’s Commitment
Despite the inconvenience, Air Peace has reassured passengers of its priority on safety and operational efficiency. The airline advised travelers to stay updated on flight schedules or contact its customer service team for assistance.
The aviation sector remains a critical pillar for Nigeria’s economy, and stakeholders agree that enhancing communication, infrastructure, and collaboration is vital to restoring passenger confidence and improving the travel experience.