Leading Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has formally apologised to its passengers for a series of recent flight delays affecting several domestic routes. The airline's management attributed the widespread disruptions primarily to the adverse harmattan weather conditions currently being experienced across the country.
Safety First: The Reason Behind the Schedule Adjustments
In an official statement released on January 15, 2026, the airline explained that the dense dust haze characteristic of the harmattan season has significantly reduced visibility at multiple airports. This environmental challenge made it necessary to proactively adjust flight schedules. Air Peace emphasised that these operational changes were implemented to ensure strict compliance with aviation safety standards, prioritising the well-being of passengers and crew above all else.
The management acknowledged the considerable inconvenience caused by the delays but stressed that the decisions were not taken lightly. They reassured the flying public that safety remains the non-negotiable cornerstone of their operations. The airline also extended gratitude to its customers for their patience and continued support during this period.
Passenger Frustration and Regulatory Scrutiny
The apology follows public complaints from affected travellers. One passenger took to X (formerly Twitter) to lament a severe delay, stating, "My first experience using @flyairpeace today and my flight has been moved from 12:30pm to 19:10pm... 7hrs delay is ridiculous!" This sentiment highlights the growing frustration among air travellers in Nigeria.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of recent data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The regulator's Q3 2025 report on domestic flight performance revealed that Air Peace recorded the highest number of flight delays among Nigerian airlines between July and September 2025, with a delay rate of 6.87%. While this figure marked an improvement from the 8.07% rate in Q3 2024, it underscores ongoing operational challenges.
The NCAA report also noted that United Nigeria Airlines and Max Air had the most flight cancellations in the same quarter. Furthermore, Air Peace was among seven Nigerian airlines sanctioned by authorities in 2025 for various infractions, ranging from poor baggage handling to passenger maltreatment.
Tougher Times Ahead for Errant Airlines?
The regulatory environment appears to be tightening. The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, has indicated that the authority plans to introduce stiffer penalties for domestic airlines over persistent flight delays and other operational lapses. This proposed tougher stance is a direct response to recurring passenger complaints.
Achimugu clarified that while many disruptions are caused by factors outside an airline's control, such as weather, repeated cases of inefficiency now demand stronger regulatory action. This signals a potential shift towards greater accountability for airlines operating in Nigeria's challenging aviation sector.
Air Peace concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to providing safe, responsible, and reliable air travel services, expressing optimism for improved operations as weather conditions become more favourable.
