NCAA summons Air Peace over flight disruptions, stranded passengers
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Air Peace to an urgent meeting in its headquarters in Abuja tomorrow concerning a number of unexplained disruptions, including complaints received from passengers
- No one abandoned on Abuja-London flight, airline insists
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Air Peace to an urgent meeting in its headquarters in Abuja tomorrow concerning a number of unexplained disruptions, including complaints received from passengers on the Heathrow-Abuja flight.
According to a statement by the NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, the passengers were rerouted via Gatwick-Lagos-Abuja and left stranded in Lagos because of a reported air return due to a cracked windshield.
According to the NCAA, the flight infraction, along with other cases of delayed refunds, compensations/first needs, have been addressed by the Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA.
Achimugu said, " We will not tolerate any abandonment of paying passengers. While the Authority continues to support domestic carriers, we hold all operators to the strictest standards.
"An investigation into these disruptions will be conducted and appropriate action taken as usual, based on the facts of the incident as enshrined in Part 19 of the NCAA regulations 2023.
"The NCAA, as the sole regulatory agency for civil aviation in Nigeria, remains committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders."
But, sources close to the airline hinted that the flight disruptions were due to a crack in the aircraft windscreen on account of a bird strike.
The airline , it was learnt, has made arrangements to cater to the needs of the passenger concerning accommodation and other obligations.
The airline, according to a statement, said alternative travel arrangements were being organized to reduce the inconveniences experienced by affected passengers.
No passenger stranded, abandoned in Abuja
Meanwhile, Air Peace Management, yesterday, offered insight into the air return incident its aircraft experienced on the Abuja - London flight on March 13, 2026.
In a statement on Friday, Air Peace said, “For the avoidance of doubt, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded at any point during the handling of the situation.
"The air return occurred due to a windshield crack suspected to be caused by a bird strike on our Abuja–London (Heathrow) flight.
"The decision to return to base was strictly in line with established aviation safety protocols.
"The aircraft safely returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where all passengers disembarked safely while our engineering team commenced the necessary technical checks on the aircraft.
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"In line with our standard passenger care procedures and global aviation best practices, all affected passengers were well taken care of.
"We reiterate that no single passenger was left stranded.
"We immediately provided passengers with options of flying out the same day through our Lagos-Gatwick route or flying the following day through Abuja to London. The majority of the passengers were flown to Lagos free of charge to join our Lagos - Gatwick. Some preferred to fly the next day through Abuja.
"Hotel accommodation was provided to those who needed it.
"We therefore respectfully clarify that the characterisation of passengers being abandoned or stranded is inaccurate and wonder where this narrative came from.
"As a responsible airline, Air Peace maintains a strong and cooperative working relationship with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and remains fully committed to regulatory compliance, passenger protection, and operational transparency.
"Air Peace deeply appreciates the patience and understanding shown by our valued passengers and the travelling public during the disruption.
"We decry the deliberate bashing and persistent hounding of Air Peace for unfounded reasons.
"Safety remains the cornerstone of our operations, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards while delivering safe, reliable, and world-class air transport services across our domestic and international network.”
