NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
I watched rather with keen interest, great candour and impressive disposition a decisive step taken by the most proactive Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Mr. Allen Onyema, towards ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members of the airline across the country as he temporarily grounded all domestic flights scheduled today due to microburst wind-shear warnings affecting Nigerian airspace due to a stormy weather condition.
The viral video credited to Daddy Freeze, saw the Anambra billionaire businessman and owner of Nigeria’s leading airline, Allen Onyema, directing the management of his company and all pilots to ground operations until normalcy returns for effective regulation and take-off.
Citing a potentially lethal impact of sudden wind shifts on take- offs and landings, a boardrooom business strategist, and one of Africa’s biggest airline operators, Onyema, insisted that flight operations would remain suspended until national weather services declare conditions stable and all affected airports have implemented wind-shear alert protocols.
He noted that microbursts—powerful downdrafts common during thunderstorms—can cause rapid loss of lift and are among the most dangerous weather phenomena pilots face. Air safety experts reference tragedies like the ADC Airlines crash in 2006, which was partially attributed to wind-shear, to underscore the risk.
However, Onyema acknowledged that some competing airlines have continued flights, risking lives in defiance of the weather alerts. He stressed that no schedule, playlist, or profit margin is worth compromising safety. His stance is a marked contrast to others who have prioritized commercial pressure over operational prudence.
While this move has disrupted travel plans across Nigeria, many industry insiders and frequent flyers have expressed support. As one passenger on social media put it, “Safety first—better a delay than a disaster.”
Air Peace’s temporary suspension aligns with international aviation safety practices, where airlines often ground operations during severe weather warnings—practices recommended by global aviation bodies like ICAO and supported by Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Meanwhile, Onyema has deployed crisis teams to coordinate with affected airports and airline staff, ensuring efficient ticket rebooking and customer care. He reassured travellers and stakeholders that refunds, rebooking options, and additional accommodations would be swiftly made available.
As Nigeria heads into peak thunderstorm season, Onyema’s decision marks a proactive shift—turning Air Peace into a case study in safety-first leadership in Nigerian aviation.
For now, flights remain grounded until the all-clear is issued and signing off, Onyema urged others in the industry to follow suit.
An airline’s duty is to protect lives, not just schedules as Air India plane crash serves as a stern warning to all travelers and operators.
Fly Air Peace✈️🕊️, for your peace of mind!
Njoku Macdonald Obinna,
Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist|Public Analyst|PR- Expert,
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters.
(Whatsapp only:08034215810)
