Amanze Chinonye
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, has defended Air Peace against allegations that the airline abandoned passengers in London following a flight disruption caused by a bird strike.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Najomo dismissed viral reports claiming that passengers were stranded in the United Kingdom without accommodation, insisting that the airline acted in line with aviation safety regulations and adequately catered for affected travellers.
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According to the NCAA boss, all passengers affected by the disruption were accommodated at a Hilton Hotel near Gatwick Airport after the aircraft involved suffered a bird strike discovered during post-landing inspection procedures.
“There was no case of abandonment,” Najomo said. “The passengers were taken care of. In fact, my wife was on that flight and they were all accommodated by Air Peace.”
He explained that the aircraft had landed safely in London and passengers had disembarked before the pilot conducted a routine ramp inspection and discovered evidence of a bird strike.
Following the discovery, the airline contacted aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which advised that the aircraft should be grounded pending further technical checks.
Najomo stated that Air Peace immediately informed passengers of the situation and provided alternative arrangements, including hotel accommodation and plans to move passengers on the next available Air Peace flight arriving from Abuja later in the day.
“Delays and cancellations happen to all airlines,” he said. “What happened to Air Peace was taken out of context, and it is unfair. No airline deliberately leaves its passengers stranded.”
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The NCAA director-general also criticised individuals circulating videos of the incident on social media, questioning what more the airline could reasonably have done under the circumstances.
“At this point, what did you expect Air Peace to do?” he asked. “I am not here to defend Air Peace. If they go wrong, I will criticise them. But the NCAA investigated this incident and found that Air Peace did the right thing and followed all necessary protocols.”
Najomo further condemned what he described as attempts to “demarket” Nigeria’s leading indigenous airline, urging Nigerians to support local carriers instead of amplifying negative narratives about them.
“We should support our own,” he said. “Incidents like this happen globally. It happened to Delta. It happened to British Airways. Nobody made noise about it or posted endless videos online. Why should Air Peace be treated differently?”
The NCAA chief cited Delta Air Lines and British Airways as examples of major international airlines that have also experienced operational disruptions arising from technical and environmental challenges.
He also linked recent disruptions within the aviation sector to the rising global cost of aviation fuel, worsened by tensions in the Middle East, noting that airlines worldwide are facing mounting operational costs and adopting cost-cutting measures to remain viable.
According to him, several international carriers have reduced routes and scaled back inflight services in response to the economic pressure confronting the aviation industry.
The NCAA boss’s remarks come amid mounting criticism of Air Peace by some celebrities and social media commentators, with some calling for a boycott of the airline over recent delays and cancellations.
However, aviation industry observers maintain that Air Peace has consistently emphasised that safety remains its top priority, stressing that operational decisions are guided by international aviation standards designed to protect passengers, crew members and aircraft.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
