Air Peace Limited, has clarified that no passenger was abandoned or stranded following the disruption of its Abuja–London flight on March 13, 2026, after the aircraft returned mid-flight due to a suspected bird strike.
In a statement issued by its management, the airline explained that the aircraft operating the Abuja–London (Heathrow) service was forced to return to base after a crack was discovered on the windshield, suspected to have been caused by a bird strike.
According to the airline, the decision to initiate an air return was taken strictly in accordance with aviation safety procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
“The air return occurred due to a windshield crack suspected to be caused by a bird strike on our Abuja–London (Heathrow) flight”, the airline stated.
“The decision to return to base was strictly in line with established aviation safety protocols”.
The aircraft safely returned to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where all passengers disembarked safely while the airline’s engineering team immediately commenced technical inspections on the aircraft.
The airline dismissed social media claims suggesting that passengers were abandoned following the disruption, insisting that adequate arrangements were made for all affected travellers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded at any point during the handling of the situation”, the airline said.
According to the statement, passengers were promptly given alternative travel options in line with international aviation passenger care standards.
“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 airline explained.
It added that most of the affected passengers opted to travel the same day through Lagos, with the airline transporting them free of charge to join the Murtala Muhammed International Airport departure for London Gatwick.
“Majority of the passengers were flown to Lagos free of charge to join our Lagos–Gatwick flight. Some preferred to fly the next day through Abuja to London”, the airline stated.
Air Peace further noted that hotel accommodation was provided for passengers who required overnight stay following the disruption.
The airline expressed concern over what it described as inaccurate narratives circulating online regarding the incident.
“We therefore respectfully clarify that the characterisation of passengers being abandoned or stranded is inaccurate and wonder where this narrative came from”, the airline said.
Air Peace also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) maintaining that it remains fully compliant with aviation regulations and committed to passenger safety and operational transparency.
“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”, the statement added.
The airline thanked affected passengers and the travelling public for their patience and understanding during the disruption, stressing that safety remains the cornerstone of its operations.
“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”, the airline said.
Air Peace also decried what it described as persistent criticism of the airline based on unfounded claims, while reiterating its commitment to safe and efficient air transport services.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned the airline to a meeting on Monday, March 16, over allegations that some passengers were stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.