Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace Limited, has addressed the disruption of its London Gatwick–Lagos flight on May 1, 2026, insisting that no passenger was abandoned and that all actions taken were guided by safety requirements.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Saturday, the airline said a viral video suggesting passengers were left stranded without communication or support “does not reflect the full facts of what happened.”
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Air Peace explained that the flight was impacted by a bird strike, which it described as a “recognised force majeure event in aviation,” requiring the aircraft to be grounded immediately for mandatory safety inspections.
“The aircraft experienced a bird strike, which led to its immediate grounding for full safety checks in line with international aviation standards,” the airline said, stressing that “safety remains our top priority, and no aircraft is allowed to operate without complete clearance.”
The airline said passengers were quickly informed of the disruption and the cancellation of the flight.
“All affected passengers were promptly notified of the incident and the service cancellation,” it stated, adding that arrangements were made to accommodate passengers at the Hilton London Gatwick.
However, it noted that some delays occurred due to operational challenges, especially in baggage handling.
“We faced additional operational limitations, including congestion at the airport and delays from ground handling agents responsible for baggage recovery,” it said.
Air Peace also clarified that baggage services at international airports are handled by third-party providers, not directly by airlines.
“Baggage handling is managed by designated ground service companies at international airports, and therefore is not under the direct control of Air Peace,” the statement added.
The airline firmly denied claims that passengers were abandoned, stating that continuous communication was maintained throughout the disruption.
“At no point were passengers left unattended. We maintained communication with all affected travellers and made every effort to ensure their comfort and welfare,” it said, adding that hotel accommodation was provided while alternative aircraft arrangements were being processed.
Air Peace also expressed concern over criticism of its response to the incident.
“We find the sustained negative portrayal of the airline over a safety-related, force majeure situation both unfair and surprising,” it said, noting that the flight captain kept passengers updated during the event.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, the airline appealed for understanding from the public.
“We recognise that flight disruptions can be frustrating; however, aviation is a highly coordinated system involving multiple stakeholders and strict safety procedures,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment, Air Peace stated that it “remains fully committed to the safety, comfort, and well-being of all passengers,” adding that it will continue to strengthen its processes to better manage unexpected disruptions.
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