Heavy Rain Disrupts Lagos Flights, Air Peace Puts Safety First

Flight disruptions hit Lagos early Tuesday morning, September 16, 2025, after heavy rainfall forced Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, to announce delays across several of its domestic and regional routes.

In a statement issued by the airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, Air Peace explained that the adverse weather conditions were beyond its control, but reassured passengers that their safety remained paramount.

“While weather is beyond our control and safety remains our utmost priority, we appeal for your understanding as we manage the disruptions as best as we can and get you to your destinations safely,” the airline said.

Safety Over Speed

The airline, which operates with IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, emphasized that grounding or delaying flights in such weather conditions was in line with global aviation safety standards. According to aviation experts, torrential rains, poor visibility, and wet runways are among the leading weather-related factors that disrupt flight schedules worldwide.

“Airlines cannot compromise on weather safety. A delay is better than a disaster,” aviation analyst Captain Abdulrahman Ahmed told reporters, stressing that such decisions often save lives.

Passenger Reflections

While delays inconvenienced travelers on busy routes such as Lagos–Abuja, Lagos–Port Harcourt, and Lagos–Accra, many passengers acknowledged the importance of safety over punctuality.

“I was supposed to be in Abuja this morning for a business meeting, but the airline’s explanation makes sense. Safety first—everything else can wait,” said Uche Okonkwo, a Lagos-based banker waiting at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Others noted that Air Peace’s communication efforts—via email, call center lines, and app notifications—helped calm nerves and reduce anxiety.

Lagos: The Epicenter of Weather Disruptions

This is not the first time heavy rains in Lagos have caused widespread travel disruptions. As Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub, Murtala Muhammed Airport handles thousands of passengers daily, making it particularly vulnerable to weather-related delays. Aviation authorities have repeatedly highlighted the need for better weather monitoring and passenger information systems.

Flashbacks to previous years reveal similar incidents, especially during the rainy season when downpours are both unpredictable and intense. Industry observers say this underscores the need for long-term investments in weather resilience infrastructure, including advanced radar systems and improved drainage around runways.

Air Peace’s Resilience in Context

Founded in 2013, Air Peace has grown to become Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size and destinations served. Despite economic turbulence, high operating costs, and infrastructural challenges, the carrier has consistently maintained its brand promise: “Your Peace, Our Goal.”

Today’s disruptions, analysts say, highlight not weakness but strength, the discipline to prioritize passenger safety above commercial pressure.

Looking Ahead

The airline has assured passengers that it is working closely with airport authorities to minimize the ripple effects of the delays and has advised travelers to stay updated through official communication channels.

“Safety is not just a priority but a core commitment,” the airline stressed in its statement.

As rains continue to pound Lagos this season, passengers are reminded that flight delays, while frustrating, remain one of the clearest signs of an airline’s integrity in putting human lives first.

Fact Box: Why Airlines Delay Flights During Heavy Rain

• Poor Visibility: Pilots rely on clear visibility for takeoff and landing. Heavy rain reduces sightlines significantly.
• Wet Runways: Waterlogged runways increase the risk of skidding during landing or aborted takeoffs.
• Aircraft Safety Systems: Modern aircraft have advanced sensors, but excessive rain can impair their effectiveness.
• Passenger Safety: Delays help airlines avoid turbulence, lightning strikes, or weather-related accidents.
• Global Standard: Weather-related delays are common worldwide and are part of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety regulations.