Air Peace has pushed back against criticism following a disrupted London–Lagos flight, insisting passengers were not abandoned despite a lengthy delay that sparked backlash online.
The Nigerian carrier said the interruption to its Gatwick service on Friday was caused by a bird strike — a serious aviation hazard that forced the aircraft to be grounded immediately for safety checks.
The incident gained traction after Funke Akindele publicly criticised the airline, claiming passengers were left stranded at London Gatwick Airport for hours with little communication. She said travellers had been waiting since early morning without clear updates.
Airline cites safety first
In its response, Air Peace described the situation as a “force majeure” event — an unforeseen circumstance beyond its control — stressing that safety protocols required the aircraft to be withdrawn from service.
The airline maintained that it could not risk operating without full clearance, noting that international aviation rules mandate thorough inspections after incidents like bird strikes.
Hotel stay and delays explained
Air Peace said affected passengers were offered accommodation at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport while arrangements were made for an alternative aircraft.
However, the airline admitted that logistical issues slowed the process. Congestion at the airport and delays from third-party ground handlers reportedly affected baggage retrieval, which in turn delayed transfers to hotels.
According to the airline, baggage handling falls under airport-controlled services, limiting its direct control over the process.
‘Passengers not abandoned’
Rejecting claims circulating on social media, Air Peace insisted communication was maintained throughout and that efforts were made to care for passengers during the disruption.
The airline also criticised what it described as “unwarranted” negative reactions, arguing that the situation was driven by safety concerns rather than poor service.
