Air Peace disruption triggers NCAA review after Abuja-London air return
Nigeria’s aviation regulator and Air Peace Limited have presented differing perspectives after a disruption on the Abuja-London service forced an air return. The disruption prompted passenger complaints and regulatory scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned the airline for an urgent meeting over several operational issues.
The disruption occurred on the airline’s Abuja-London Heathrow service on 13 March 2026. However, Air Peace insists passengers were not abandoned and that safety procedures guided its response. The NCAA, meanwhile, says complaints from affected passengers triggered regulatory action.
NCAA activates consumer protection over disruption complaints
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the regulator has summoned Air Peace to its headquarters.
According to Achimugu, the meeting will examine the disruption and other operational concerns raised by passengers. He explained that complaints were received from passengers on the Heathrow-Abuja service who were rerouted through Lagos.
“Air Peace has been summoned to the NCAA HQ for an urgent meeting on Monday with regards to a number of unexplained disruptions, including complaints received today from passengers on the Heathrow-Abuja flight who were rerouted via Gatwick-Lagos-Abuja and left stranded in Lagos because of a reported air return due cracked windshield,” Achimugu stated.
He added that the disruption triggered wider regulatory attention within the authority’s consumer protection framework.
“The above, along with cases of delayed refunds, compensations/first needs, has activated the Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA,” he said.
Meanwhile, the regulator emphasised that passenger rights remain central to its oversight responsibilities. Achimugu warned that airlines must strictly comply with aviation regulations and passenger protection obligations.
“We will not tolerate any abandonment of paying passengers. While the Authority continues to support domestic carriers, we hold all operators to the strictest standards,” he said.
According to the NCAA, an investigation will determine the facts surrounding the disruption. The regulator also noted that actions would follow the provisions of Nigeria’s aviation regulations.
“An investigation into these disruptions will be conducted and appropriate action taken as usual based on the facts of the incident as enshrined in Part 19 of the NCAA regulations 2023,” Achimugu added.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to industry oversight and passenger protection. “The NCAA, as sole regulatory agency for civil aviation in Nigeria, remains committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders,” he said.
More regulatory information can be found via the official NCAA website: https://ncaa.gov.ng
Air Peace explains disruption and rejects abandonment claims
In a separate statement, Air Peace addressed the disruption and clarified the circumstances surrounding the flight. The airline said the air return was triggered by a safety concern involving the aircraft windshield.
“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 said.
According to the airline, the decision to return to Abuja followed established aviation safety procedures. Air Peace stressed that safety considerations guided the operational decision.
“The decision to return to base was strictly in line with established aviation safety protocols,” the airline stated.
The aircraft returned safely to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where passengers disembarked normally.
“The aircraft safely returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where all passengers disembarked safely while our engineering team commenced the necessary technical checks on the aircraft,” the statement said.
However, Air Peace rejected claims circulating online suggesting passengers were stranded during the disruption.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no passenger was abandoned or left stranded at any point during the handling of the situation,” the airline said.
The airline explained that passengers were offered alternative travel arrangements shortly after the disruption occurred.
“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 stated.
According to the airline, most passengers opted to travel via Lagos to continue their journey to London.
“Majority of the passengers were flown to Lagos free of charge to join our Lagos-Gatwick. Some preferred to fly the next day through Abuja,” Air Peace said.
Meanwhile, the airline said accommodation was arranged for passengers who required it.
“Hotel accommodation was provided to those who needed it,” the airline added.
Airline emphasises safety commitment amid disruption scrutiny
Air Peace maintained that safety remains its operational priority despite the disruption. The airline stressed that the air return decision protected passengers and crew.
“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,” the airline said.
In addition, the airline reaffirmed its relationship with the aviation regulator and its commitment to compliance.
“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 said.
However, the airline questioned narratives suggesting passengers were abandoned during the disruption.
“We therefore respectfully clarify that the characterization of passengers being abandoned or stranded is inaccurate and wonder where this narrative came from,” Air Peace stated.
The airline also criticised what it described as persistent criticism directed at its operations.
“We decry the deliberate bashing and persistent hounding of Air Peace for unfounded reasons,” the statement concluded.
