Why NCAA investigated Air Peace London incident
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained that its inquiry into the disruption of an Air Peace Lagos-bound flight from London Gatwick was a routine regulatory measure to verify compliance with statutory safety standards and passenger handling procedures, not a response to any alleged misconduct.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo dismissed reports that passengers were abandoned without accommodation after the aircraft suffered a bird strike. He insisted the airline acted responsibly and in full compliance with aviation safety protocols.
According to Najomo, the incident occurred after the aircraft had landed safely in London and passengers had disembarked. A routine ramp inspection by the pilot revealed evidence of a bird strike. Air Peace immediately contacted manufacturer Boeing, which advised grounding the aircraft for further checks.
“There was no case of abandonment,” the DG said. “The passengers were taken care of. In fact, my wife was on that flight and they were all accommodated by Air Peace.”
All affected travellers were promptly checked into the Hilton Hotel near Gatwick Airport and were offered several rebooking options, including seats on the next available Air Peace flight arriving from Abuja later that day.
Najomo faulted viral videos that suggested passengers were stranded, describing the reaction as unfair. “At this point, what did you expect Air Peace to do? 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.”
He warned against what he termed a growing attempt to “demarket” Nigeria’s largest indigenous carrier, urging the public to support local airlines rather than amplify negative narratives. He noted that operational disruptions occur globally, citing similar incidents involving Delta Air Lines and British Airways that did not attract comparable social media backlash.
“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.”
The regulator also linked recent aviation disruptions to the soaring global cost of fuel, exacerbated by the Middle East crisis, which has forced several foreign carriers to scale back routes and reduce inflight services as part of cost-cutting measures.
Najomo reiterated that Air Peace’s operational decisions remain guided by international aviation safety standards, with the protection of passengers, crew and equipment as the highest priority.