Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace Limited, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the disruption of its London Gatwick–Lagos service on May 1, 2026, attributing the incident to a bird strike and subsequent operational challenges.
The airline’s management, in a statement, said the disruption followed a bird strike classified in aviation as a force majeure event which necessitated the immediate grounding of the aircraft for mandatory safety inspections in line with international standards.
Air Peace stressed that safety remains its top priority and that the aircraft could not be cleared for operation until all required checks were completed.
The airline also refuted claims circulating on social media alleging that passengers were abandoned without communication or care, describing such narratives as inaccurate and not reflective of the full situation.
According to the statement, passengers were duly informed of the incident and the cancellation of the flight. Arrangements were subsequently made to cater to their welfare, including hotel accommodation at Hilton London Gatwick and coordination for onward transit.
However, the airline explained that additional operational constraints—particularly airport congestion and delays by ground handling services responsible for baggage processing affected the timely retrieval of passengers’ luggage.
This, it noted, slowed down the transfer of some passengers to their hotels.
Air Peace emphasised that baggage handling at international airports is managed by designated ground handling companies operating under strict regulatory procedures, adding that airlines do not have direct control over these processes.
“At no point were passengers abandoned”, the airline maintained, noting that communication was sustained throughout the disruption and that all affected passengers were offered accommodation, with many already checked into hotels while alternative flight arrangements are being finalised.
The carrier acknowledged the inconvenience caused but urged the public to understand the complexities of aviation operations, particularly during unforeseen safety-related incidents.
Air Peace further expressed concern over what it described as “unwarranted negative reactions” to the situation, insisting that timely updates were provided by the flight captain and that proactive steps were taken to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards and improving its response to operational disruptions, while thanking passengers for their patience and understanding.