Passengers across domestic and international routes have been urged to remain calm and show understanding as recent flight delays and cancellations continue to affect air travel operations in Nigeria.

The appeal was made by Dr. Beatrice Etim-Onyemachi, Secretary General of the Diaspora Accountability Network Nigeria (DANN), who said the disruptions, while understandably frustrating for travellers, are being driven largely by a combination of international developments and operational factors beyond the immediate control of airlines.

According to her, recent instability in the Gulf region arising from tensions between the United States and Iran has further complicated global aviation operations, with ripple effects extending to Nigerian carriers. She added that adverse weather conditions and broader international political considerations have also contributed to the growing strain on flight schedules.

“Recent flight delays and cancellations have generated understandable concern among passengers across domestic and international routes,” Etim-Onyemachi said. “Many of these disruptions have been worsened by instability in the Gulf region arising from the United States–Iran conflict, adverse weather conditions, and, in some instances, international political dynamics that have not been favourable to Nigerian airlines operating international services.”

She noted that Air Peace, under the leadership of Allen Onyema, has had to navigate these pressures while sustaining both domestic and international operations in an increasingly volatile global environment.

Etim-Onyemachi said the management of international airline services remains highly complex, involving regulatory approvals, bilateral air service arrangements, airspace considerations, diplomatic engagements, technical logistics, and rapidly changing weather patterns. She stressed that many of these variables often fall outside the direct control of individual operators.

“In light of these circumstances, domestic and international passengers are urged to exercise restraint, patience and understanding where necessary,” she said. “The management of international airline operations is complex and often influenced by factors beyond the control of individual carriers.”

The Secretary General further called on the Federal Government to deepen institutional support for Air Peace, particularly as the airline continues to expand Nigeria’s international aviation footprint and compete in highly demanding foreign markets.

She argued that such support should be anchored on the principle of reciprocity, especially in situations where Nigerian carriers are subjected to unfavourable operating conditions in foreign jurisdictions.

“Government should therefore provide sustained support to Air Peace, particularly on its international routes,” she stated. “Such support should reflect the principle of reciprocity, especially where unfavourable operating conditions are imposed on the airline in foreign jurisdictions.”

Observers say the call comes at a time when Nigeria’s aviation sector is under renewed scrutiny, with passengers increasingly demanding improved schedule reliability while airlines grapple with rising operational costs, geopolitical uncertainty and tightening international regulatory conditions.

For stakeholders in the sector, the development once again highlights the delicate balance between passenger expectations, commercial sustainability and the broader international forces that continue to shape modern air travel.