Air Peace Refutes Claims of Stranded Passengers on Abuja-London Route, Explains Emergency Return

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has dismissed allegations that passengers were left stranded following a disruption to its Abuja-London service, clarifying that the incident was handled in full compliance with global aviation safety standards and passenger care protocols.

The clarification comes hours after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced it had summoned the airline to an urgent meeting over what it described as a series of “unexplained disruptions,” including complaints of stranded passengers following a flight diversion on the London route.

In a statement issued by its management, Air Peace explained that the aircraft made an emergency return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on March 13, 2026, after the crew detected a crack on the windshield, suspected to have been caused by a bird strike.

“The attention of Air Peace has been drawn to comments circulating on social media suggesting that passengers on our Abuja-London service were abandoned following an air return on March 13, 2026. For the avoidance of doubt, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded at any point during the handling of the situation,” the airline stated.

According to Air Peace, the pilot adhered to established safety protocols by returning the aircraft to Abuja for mandatory technical inspections. “The air return occurred due to a windshield crack suspected to be caused by a bird strike on our Abuja-London flight. The decision to return to base was strictly in line with established aviation safety protocols,” the statement added.

The airline said it promptly activated its passenger care procedures to minimise inconvenience. Affected travellers were offered alternative travel arrangements to the United Kingdom, including options to depart the same day via the airline’s Lagos-Gatwick route or fly the following day from Abuja.

“Most passengers were transported free of charge to Lagos to join the Lagos-Gatwick service, while others chose to depart the following day from Abuja. Hotel accommodation was provided to those who needed it,” the statement read.

Air Peace emphasised that the characterisation of passengers being abandoned or stranded was inaccurate and expressed concern over the narrative circulating on social media.

Reaffirming its commitment to regulatory compliance, the carrier noted its strong working relationship with the NCAA and its dedication to passenger protection and operational transparency.

“We decry the deliberate bashing and persistent hounding of Air Peace for unfounded reasons,” the airline added, while expressing gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the disruption.