Air Peace has clarified the circumstances surrounding the disruption of its Abuja–London service on March 13, 2026, dismissing reports that passengers were abandoned after the aircraft returned to base.
The airline said the claims circulating in parts of the media were inaccurate, stressing that no passenger was stranded during the incident.
According to Air Peace, the aircraft operating the Abuja–London (Heathrow) flight made an air return after the flight crew detected a crack on the windshield, which was suspected to have been caused by a bird strike.
The airline explained that the decision to return to Abuja was taken in line with standard aviation safety protocols to protect passengers and crew.
The aircraft landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where passengers disembarked without incident while the airline’s engineering team began technical inspections on the aircraft.
Air Peace said affected travellers were immediately provided with alternative travel arrangements in line with global aviation passenger-care standards.
Passengers were offered the option of departing the same day via the airline’s Lagos–Gatwick route or travelling the following day from Abuja to London.
The airline noted that most passengers accepted a complimentary transfer to Lagos to connect with the Lagos–Gatwick service, while others chose to travel from Abuja the next day.
Hotel accommodation was also arranged for passengers who required it.
Air Peace therefore rejected reports suggesting that travellers were abandoned or stranded, describing the claims as misleading and questioning the origin of the narrative.
The airline added that it maintains a strong working relationship with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and remains committed to regulatory compliance, passenger protection and operational transparency.
Air Peace also thanked passengers and the travelling public for their patience and understanding, reiterating that safety remains the cornerstone of its operations.
